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D.J. Wilcox Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 159 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Pierce, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from D.J. Wilcox 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.
Nature preserve featuring boardwalks, trails, wildlife encounters and a lookout tower.
What runners say about D.J. Wilcox Preserve
“Beautiful location full of fish and turtles Nice area to take a short walk, bring a picnic, there are tables.”
“Really nice 1 mile trail that was easy to follow and well marked too, with a cool observation tower along the way.”
A lovely little stroll offering a 2 mile hike along the Indian River Estuary and another 1 mile walk in the adjoining hammock - there are separate entrances to the preserve, with one giving access to the entirety of the trail and the other limited to the hammock, so consult your map before deciding where to park.
I find this trail very healing. If your heart has been bothering you, this is the trail for you to walk. There are stops all along the way, benches to sit on, alone or with a friend completely enjoyable.
Really nice 1 mile trail that was easy to follow and well marked too, with a cool observation tower along the way. You start by crossing a long, well kept bridge which sets the vibe. Lots of shade throughout the area but definitely bring bug spray because we ran into quite a few mosquitoes.
This is a good preserve to check out if you don't want to walk to far for a pretty nature view! The boardwalk paths lead you around a pond/marsh and there is so much wildlife to spot! I almost always spot an alligator or two.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful location full of fish and turtles Nice area to take a short walk, bring a picnic, there are tables.”
“Beautiful boardwalk, one mile loop trail and another loop along the perimeter is under a mile.”
“I would say that a wheelchair could definitely push down the walkway.”
“Very nice but didn't get to the Tower because it was too muddy.”
“Beautiful boardwalk, one mile loop trail and another loop along the perimeter is under a mile.”
“Really nice 1 mile trail that was easy to follow and well marked too, with a cool observation tower along the way.”
Plan your run at D.J. Wilcox Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitestlucieco.gov
- Phone+1 772-462-2526
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8 pm |
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