Gomez Preserve Nature Trail - Hobe Sound, FL
Gomez Preserve Nature Trail is a serene dog park in Hobe Sound, FL, offering a peaceful 0.3-mile loop trail perfect for dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly outdoor activities. This 61-acre preserve features shaded paths through pine and palm flatwoods, making it an ideal spot for leashed dogs and their owners to enjoy nature walks and light exercise. The trail connects to the East Coast Greenway, providing extended opportunities for longer hikes and bike rides in the area.
Visitors appreciate the quiet, low-traffic environment, making it a great place for dogs to explore off-leash in a calm setting, though leashes are recommended. Amenities include a picnic pavilion, shaded benches, and exercise equipment along the trail. While parking is officially unavailable on-site, nearby parking options at Seabranch Preserve and Peck Lake Park make access convenient. This dog park in Hobe Sound is a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and pet-friendly trails perfect for families and dog lovers alike.
FAQ for Gomez Preserve Nature Trail in Hobe Sound Florida:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Some visitors mention that dogs are allowed off-leash, but be aware that others may not always be welcoming to this behavior, as noted by one reviewer calling it “Karen’s Central” regarding off-leash dogs.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, indicating that dogs should be kept on a leash while in the preserve.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, most of the trail is shaded and there is a picnic pavilion at the north end and a shaded bench at the south end of the preserve, providing places with shelter from the sun.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there is a shaded bench at the south end of the preserve and a picnic pavilion at the north end for seating.
- Where is the best place to park? Officially, there is no parking at the preserve itself, but visitors recommend parking at nearby Seabranch Preserve or Peck Lake Park and then hiking or biking about a mile to reach Gomez Preserve. Some reviewers also note that there is parking in the surrounding quiet neighborhoods.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Gomez Preserve Nature Trail is a .3 mile loop trail that connects to the paved portion of the East Coast Greenway, a 17.6 mile trail connecting several nearby towns. The trail offers easy hiking and cycling through shaded areas.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? There is a picnic pavilion available, which suggests picnicking is allowed.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Flying insects are noted as a downside to visiting; mosquito spray is recommended before hitting the trail.
- Are there other dog parks or trails nearby? Gomez Preserve lies between Seabranch Preserve and Peck Lake Park, so those parks are nearby and accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is noted as good for kids and kid-friendly hikes are available.
Reviews
Not mowed. Very overgrown. Couldn’t even find the trail.
This place has hardly any visitors, so you bring your dogs out here and the one or two people to do, they make a big deal cuz you let your dogs off the leash. Just be warned its Karen’s Central if you want to bring your dogs.
The Gomez Preserve Nature Trail is a 61 acre preserve that was purchased in 1992 by Martin County. In the early 1900’s, it was the site of a Bahamian settlement along the Indian River Lagoon where some of the earliest inhabitants of the Hobe Sound area lived.There is no parking at this preserve. It lies between Seabranch Preserve and Peck Lake Park so you would have to park at one of those and bike or hike about a mile over. The nature trail directly connects to the paved portion of the East Coast Greenway, which goes directly through Seabranch Preserve State Park. The East Coast Greenway is a 17.6 mile trail that connects Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart, Port Salerno, and Hobe Sound.The hard packed shellrock Gomez Preserve Nature Trail is a .3 mile loop. There is a picnic pavilion at the north end and a shaded bench at the south end of the preserve. Along the trail you will find several sets of exercise equipment that uses your body weight to work out. Animals that make their home here include raccoons, bobcats, gopher tortoise, osprey, and song birds. The trail traverses through pine and palm flatwoods, pine trees, and cabbage palms.I enjoyed a peaceful walk through the preserve and I appreciated that most of the trail was shaded. This is an easy hike suitable for all abilities and fitness levels. It is also ideal for cyclists. Leashed dogs are welcome. The only negative was the flying insects. I recommend mosquito spray before you hit the trail and bring water.
Very short but one of my favorites spots in Hobe Sound. Great for a dog walk.
Even though official reviews / information say there is no parking, there is plenty. Nice neighborhood, very quiet. This trail is short as is “advertised” but lots of other areas to add to it if you want a longer walk.