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El Rio Trail


Highlights:

Following the El Rio Canal, nice fishing and bird watching
Near:Boca Raton, FL
Scenery:
Distance:3.48 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:3 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This is a new, well maintained trail which follows the El Rio Canal between Glades road and Spanish River Boulevard in Boca Raton. It's paved and borders Florida Atlantic University to the east.
The trail features rest areas every so often under shade provided by the numerous trees. The wildlife includes the ever-present Gopher Turtle, some waterfowl and a Great Heron or two. There is also excellent fishing to do enjoyed from the banks of the canal.
As the trail meanders northwards, you get to cross a nice, old bridge about halfway down the trail with marvelous views up and down the canal and from which you can view the antics of the water tortoises who come up to sun themselves, depending on the time of day.
The trail ends just as you reach Spanish River Boulevard. As with most hikes in south Florida, be sure to bring lots of water on a hot day.

Trailhead: There is parking at the nearby Florida Atlantic University's guest parking spots and a short walk to the trailhead (Lat:26.36249 Lon:-80.0973)
Trail Guides for El Rio Trail:
Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes,
Ranger Contact: Boca Raton Parks and Recreation: 561-393-7811
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Frederic Woodbridge, III
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Joe W. on 5/5/2008
This isn't a hiking trail: It's a sidewalk between a canal and a college. It follows a busy street and offers nothing in the way of nature. You'll see a bunch of iguanas on the side of the road sunning themselves, but you'll also see buildings, cars, and kids walking to and from school. Fishing? Yeah right, that water is dirtier than a toilet. I know all of this, because I live across the street from it.

Reviewed by Angela on 12/8/2007
This hike offers a place of tranquility in this busy city. The sky in south florida is always breathtaking, but especially during the dawn and dusk hours. Also, you will be likely to see huge iguanas. Yes, as one reviewer pointed out, there are old tattered buildings, but they add to the charm. I've even been inside of them, including the greenhouse on weekends!

Reviewed by brian on 2/6/2007
Great location. I am only here for 2 weeks, but this trail is now part of my daily routine/jog. I can hop right out of my hotel, cut through a parking lot and Im there. Relatively urban, but it beats the pants off running along the main street.

Reviewed by JB on 7/29/2005
Nearby, excellent road, tree park at south end, pocket parks along the way.

Reviewed by Katie on 6/28/2005
I live on campus at FAU and it is super convenient to get in a quick run so close! The animals back on the trail are also veru interesting... the iguanas are a hit!!

Reviewed by eaa on 4/20/2005
A nice quick vein through the city but away from traffic. I bike it but walking running or rollerblading it would also make for a good cardio blast. If you go early in the morning you can see lots of really big Iguanas. They are non-native but cool to see; Some are almost as big as 5'1" me!

Reviewed by Ray on 4/6/2005
I was somewhat disapointed based on the description. I found it a little tattered particularly passing vacant buildings owned by Florida University. If anything it was a beautiful day and I got to go for a walk.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Florida Hiking, Florida Trails, Florida Hikes, Palm Beach County Hiking, Palm Beach County Trails, Palm Beach County Hikes

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