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McCarty Ranch Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 90 Google reviews · Running trail in Port St. Lucie, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from McCarty Ranch 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.
Natural area with camping and fishing, plus a public restroom and picnic tables.
What runners say about McCarty Ranch Preserve
“The area is clean and well kept.”
“Catch-and-release, of course they're too small to keep LOL ,Some of the most beautiful colored bass I've ever seen though.”
“It's very much out of the way, quiet, and beautiful.”
This place is truly a hidden treasure in St. Lucie County. McCarthy Ranch Preserve, Is over 3000 acres, It offers three lakes to fish in, I caught quite a bit of small bass. Catch-and-release, of course they're too small to keep LOL ,Some of the most beautiful colored bass I've ever seen though.
Heard of this place, so we followed the signs. Got there finally. So not used to open places, lol. Had to use the restroom. Well kept. Will come again to walk during the dry season. Afraid of gators and other large animals. Met a family out there - see photo.
Pretty place decent lake short hiking trail and really short bicycle trail 13 tent campsites are close together but private due to the vegetation 9 RV sites right on the lake no hookups but tank dump and bathhouse available...
Parking was $5. Be prepared to walk a distance, though. Thankfully, the medical golf cart saved my husband's back pain because he would have never made it. The hayride trucks should give the option to drop people off. That would be great 👍. Other than that, the petting zoo was amazing and worth it all!
Trail conditions & character
“Catch-and-release, of course they're too small to keep LOL ,Some of the most beautiful colored bass I've ever seen though.”
“Once you turn into the preserve it's a good half mile to the recreational area (restrooms, shower, picnic pavilion, trail heads, etc.”
“It's very much out of the way, quiet, and beautiful.”
Plan your run at McCarty Ranch Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecityofpsl.com
- Phone(772) 878-2277
Running trails near Port St. Lucie
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
McCarty Ranch Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
Large preserve popular for fishing and hiking, with tent and RV camping, as well as a disc golf course.
Oak Hammock Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 763 reviews
Docks & a boat ramp abut this park with mature oak trees, walking trails & a playground.
Devil's Tree
4.8 ★★★★★ 56 reviews
Family-friendly spot for hiking and fishing, plus a legendary oak tree said to be a site of paranormal activity.
Woodland Trails Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 563 reviews
Neighborhood, well-maintained park with a playground and workout area, plus a dog park and a shaded walking trail.
Paleo Hammock Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 77 reviews
Quiet natural area featuring hiking and horseback-riding trails, plus a picnic area.
