Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Grant-Valkaria, FL

Captain Forster Hammock Preserve in Vero Beach, FL, is a hidden gem on the Indian River that goes from the river to the ocean. This 3/4 mile maintained trail passes through wonderful oak hammocks and wetland areas directly to the ocean. When you cross A1A the trail continues through another forested canopy ending under a stand of Australia pines with chairs and benches. Because this property is in the town of Indian River Shores, the beach is pet friendly for leashed dogs. Restrooms and water are at the trailhead but not at the beach.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park in Fellsmere, FL, is dog friendly. A popular park for dogs who love to hike, there are over 60 miles of trails that span the area, mainly made up of grassy forests of longleaf pine. Dogs are welcome on the trails, where you're advised to bring water with you as it can get blisteringly hot in the sun. There's lots of wildlife that calls the park their home, including birds, deer, coyote, bobcat, wild turkey, quail, eastern indigo snakes, and gopher tortoises. Be aware that you may also run into alligators, who aren't always friendly to people or pets.

Brevard Zoo Linear Park in Melbourne, FL, is a dog-friendly, 5.8-mile paved and boardwalk trail located behind the Brevard Zoo. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round on this easy, out-and-back route, which features wildlife signage, birdwatching opportunities, and ADA-accessible parking at the north entrance off Murrell Road.

Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands is a pet-friendly attraction in Melbourne, FL. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on this loop trail that extends for nearly three miles through natural Florida habitat full of birds and other wildlife. It's a great place to take Fido for a fairly long walk, but keep an eye out for alligators and snakes that also call this wetland home. Give their hotline a call to check on the current trail status before you visit.

Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach, FL, is dog friendly. You may only have heard of the name of this park followed by gnarly or radical, because it's truly a surfer's paradise, but it's way more than just hanging ten on the Monster Hole. There are also pretty picnic areas located on both sides of the inlet that can be enjoyed by dogs and their owners. If you want to work off those Scooby Snacks, you can take a wander along the Hammock Trail, a mile-long nature trail that meanders along the fringe of the mangroves. You can even learn about the plants that surround you by reading the various signs. Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on the beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins and park buildings.

The Historic Jungle trail winds for nearly 8 miles along a sandy road through the hammock habitat of Florida's barrier islands north of Vero Beach. The trail—really a road—is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built in the 1920s so that citrus growers could haul their produce up and down the barrier island. Although cars do drive along the road, it's mostly used by cyclists, walkers, and joggers. The road is sandy but mostly hard packed and easy going for wide-tire bicycles. To reach the northern access point and parking: From the intersection of Wabasso Road (CR 510) and SR A1A, drive north 3.7 miles on A1A; you will see a sign on the right indicating Pelican Island Wildlife Refuge; turn left onto the road marked Historic Jungle Trail.

Leashed pets are welcome to join you at the dog-friendly Ais Trail Park in Palm Bay, FL. This outdoor recreation area boasts a range of visitor amenities, including dirt hiking and jogging trails, a short boardwalk, restrooms, picnic tables and a pavilion, a fishing pier that overlooks the creek, and a kayak and canoe launch. Note that dogs aren't permitted on the athletic fields.

The Route A1A Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Vero Beach! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Route 1A Trail - Indian River County. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.