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Captain Forster Hammock Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 144 Google reviews · Running trail in INDN RIV SHRS, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Captain Forster Hammock Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Family-friendly park and nature preserve with hiking trails that lead to the beach.
What runners say about Captain Forster Hammock Preserve
“Well maintained trails, parking area, and restrooms.”
“It is another beautiful Florida trail, just make sure you have adequate clothing and mosquito spray.”
“Nice shady place to walk short trails we made many loops, butterflies, turtles, birds, lizards, snakes spiders is what we seen today.”
“Peaceful, quiet hike through the woods, different paths through the hammocks, all very pretty and shaded:))”
Beautiful and peaceful trails. There's no way you can really get lost, which I love. You are able to take your dogs with you on these trails. They provide waste bags at the trail head.
Nice, flat, shade, sandy trails. Easy for families with kids or running. About 2 people wide in most parts. Many side trails as well. Lots of plants and trees
This is truly an amazing property that had been preserved from all the development that most of the island has gone through. The trails are not manicured as they may have been a hundred years ago. Quite a few old growth trees, the map's could use some updates as I didn't see that you can walk to the ocean.
Excellent hiking trail. Me and my dog Frank had so much fun! They even have little baggies for their poo at the front if you forget to bring yours. There are bathrooms at the front too so no need to pop a squat. Really beautiful!
Trail conditions & character
“Nice shady place to walk short trails we made many loops, butterflies, turtles, birds, lizards, snakes spiders is what we seen today.”
“It is another beautiful Florida trail, just make sure you have adequate clothing and mosquito spray.”
“Peaceful, quiet hike through the woods, different paths through the hammocks, all very pretty and shaded:))”
“There are bathrooms at the front too so no need to pop a squat.”
“Well maintained trails, parking area, and restrooms.”
“You are able to take your dogs with you on these trails.”
“Was a little muddy for us, but it rained the day before.”
Plan your run at Captain Forster Hammock Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteircgov.com
- Phone(772) 226-1223
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–6 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–6 PM |
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