Grassy Waters, Loxahatchee Slough and Riverbend Park
A drinking-water wetland, the river’s headwaters and a park on a wild and scenic river.
See top-rated activities »The Preserves East of The Acreage
Northlake Boulevard is the Acreage’s road to the coast, and along the way it passes some of the best nature access in the county. Grassy Waters Preserve, owned by the City of West Palm Beach, is a wetland of roughly 20 square miles that still supplies the city’s drinking water, a role it has played since the early 1900s. The nature center on the south side of Northlake Boulevard has exhibits and a boardwalk that runs about a mile through cypress and pine to an open marsh, and city naturalists lead boardwalk hikes, swamp walks and canoe and kayak outings by reservation. Dogs are not allowed.
North of PGA Boulevard, the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area is the county’s largest and most varied natural area at more than 13,000 acres. It is the headwaters of the Loxahatchee River and protects nine kinds of native Florida habitat. The main entrance on the Beeline Highway has a paved trail, an accessible observation platform and natural trails out to a fishing pier and tower. A separate access park on PGA Boulevard, named for sandhill cranes, has its own tower and connects to the Jeaga Wildways multiuse path, and there is a kayak and canoe launch nearby.
Follow the water north to Riverbend Park on Indiantown Road in Jupiter, about a half-hour drive from the center of The Acreage. This 645-acre county park sits on the Loxahatchee, Florida’s first federally designated wild and scenic river. It has nearly 10 miles of shell-rock trails for walking and cycling, nearly 7 miles of equestrian trails with trailer parking, and about 5 miles of waterways for canoes and kayaks. An outfitter in the park rents boats and bikes, and guided paddles on the river are listed below when available.
Riverbend also holds the Loxahatchee River Battlefield, where two Second Seminole War battles were fought in January 1838, and each January the county stages a free reenactment there. Combine a morning paddle with a picnic under the oaks and you have one of the best outdoor days within reach of The Acreage. For more trip ideas around the country, browse Best of the USA.
Don’t Miss
The city’s water-supply wetland with a nature center, a boardwalk and naturalist-led hikes and paddles by reservation.
More than 13,000 acres at the head of the Loxahatchee River, with towers, a fishing pier, trails and a paddle launch.
Trails for walking, cycling and riding, plus about five miles of paddling waterways on and beside the Loxahatchee River.
The concession inside Riverbend Park that rents canoes, kayaks and bikes and runs guided trips.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Northlake Preserves
ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. The Acreage Guide may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Northlake Preserves — FAQ
Can I bring my dog to Grassy Waters Preserve?
No. Dogs are not permitted at the preserve, which protects West Palm Beach’s drinking water.
Can I ride horses at Riverbend Park?
Yes. The park has nearly 7 miles of equestrian trails and parking for horse trailers, which must leave by closing time.
Is the Loxahatchee River near The Acreage?
Its headwaters begin in the Loxahatchee Slough east of The Acreage, and the river itself is best reached at Riverbend Park in Jupiter, about 30 minutes away.
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