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James A. Rutherford Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 286 Google reviews · Running trail in Boca Raton, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from James A. Rutherford Park'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.
Simple recreational park featuring a children's playground, walking trails & lakeside benches.
What runners say about James A. Rutherford Park
“I had a very pleasant visit, walking the well-maintained, eco-friendly trail of about 1 mile or more, along Lake Wyman.”
“Real clean park, lots of wildlife, beautiful views, has grills kayak launch pad also can rent them”
Finally a place in East Boca to launch my Kayak with a safe parking lot. This is a new park. It took me a couple attempts to find because the address was not updated on the GPS. There is a beautiful walking path to either enjoy early morning or late afternoon walks.
My husband and I have been visiting James A. Rutherford Park for well over 30 years. It has always been a great place to experience a nature walk. All of the renovations and restoration of the boardwalk and observation decks are top tier! So inviting and serene.
Beautiful park! The scenery changes a bit with the tides. During peak low tide there’s mud underneath parts of the boardwalk where lots a small crabs run around. It was fun seeing the different types of tiny crabs and a nice experience to walk out to the end of the deck.
LOVEEE this park. So clean and tranquil - perfect for couples, baby walks and picnics
Trail conditions & character
“Real clean park, lots of wildlife, beautiful views, has grills kayak launch pad also can rent them”
“1st Review They finally finished the Observation Pier along with the boardwalk / walkways over the intercoastal @ The James A.”
“Benches, restrooms and water fountains along the way.”
“Finally a place in East Boca to launch my Kayak with a safe parking lot.”
Plan your run at James A. Rutherford Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemyboca.us
- Phone(561) 393-7815
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Boca Raton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Wyman Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 335 reviews
This park offers tennis & basketball courts & ball fields, plus a playground & picnic areas.
Spanish River Park
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Red Reef Park
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A 67-acre oceanfront park for swimming, snorkeling & surf fishing that includes a nature center.
South Beach Park, Boca Raton
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A 24.5-acre beach area featuring 3 swimming areas plus surf, fishing & bird-watching opportunities.
Tortuga Trail North Entrance
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