Boardwalk Trail at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

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See the Hiking Trails web page for an interactive location map.

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Length: .4-mile loop
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

The Boardwalk Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is the most beautiful nature trail I have ever been on. It’s like walking in a landscaped garden. Green palmettos, live oaks covered in Spanish moss, and a lovely pond all make this short hike worth your time.

Start of the Boardwalk Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

The trail is located at the back of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. It is a boardwalk for the entire way and is accessible to those in wheelchairs. The trail is lollipop shaped, so you walk out on the stick to get to the short loop at the end, then come back the same way.

Start of the loop portion of the Boardwalk Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Boardwalk Trail at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

There are two observation decks along the trail, plus benches and signs that describe the vegetation of the area. Despite often being on water, I did not see any animals at all except for a lizard. Of course, this was probably just a stroke of bad luck, for where there is water there are usually plenty of animals, at least birds.

Observation deck on the Boardwalk Trail at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Pond behind the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

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