Mountain Biking at Savannas Preserve State Park
The bike ride here is all about soaking in the environment. Whether you’re a beginner easing into off-road riding or a seasoned rider looking to spin the legs on something chill, Savannas delivers. The trail is wide and mostly hard-packed, with only a few small sandy patches that may be tricky for young kids or casual riders. The multi use trails are versatile, accommodating hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, and allow for a peaceful pace, giving you time to look around and enjoy the raw beauty of Florida’s wetlands. The park covers a long stretch of natural landscape, offering an immersive experience in nature. A key feature is the basin marsh, a vital freshwater wetland habitat. Savannas Preserve State Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including turtles, wading birds, and alligators. Many visitors come to enjoy the unique environment and observe the wildlife that thrives here.
This isn’t the spot to hunt for jumps or gnarly technical sections—this is where you cruise, breathe, and catch glimpses of turtles, wading birds, and maybe even a gator or two sunning by the water. Shaded pavilions and picnic tables are scattered along the path, making this ride one of the more relaxing and family-friendly adventures on two wheels.
If you’re looking for something more challenging nearby, take a look at Camp Murphy MTB Trails
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Notable Trails at Savannas Preserve State Park
- Savannas Loop Trail – A scenic, wide loop perfect for beginners or families.
- Environmental Learning Center Connector – Provides access to education areas and shaded rest stops.
- Canoe Launch Trail – A quick detour offering views of wetlands and wildlife.
- Hawks Bluff Nature Trail – The trailhead for this trail is accessible from Jensen Beach Blvd, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the park’s natural areas.
Other Things to Do at Savannas Preserve State Park
- Educational Programs: Visit the Environmental Education Center for exhibits on the area’s ecology and history.
- Hike: Hiking is allowed on more than 17 miles of designated trails across wetlands, scrub, and pine flatwoods.
- Horseback Riding: Designated equestrian trails offer open space and peaceful riding.
- Paddling: Canoes and kayaks are allowed and available for use. Launch a canoe or kayak into the Savannas’ waterways and glide past native flora and fauna.
- Fishing: Fishing is permitted in the wetlands, making it a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Viewing: Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, bobcats, otters, and dozens of bird species.
- Picnicking: Several pavilions and shaded areas make this park perfect for a relaxing lunch after your ride.
Please note: Camping is not permitted at Savannas Preserve State Park.
However you can camp nearby: the Savannas Recreation Area – Savannas Recreation Area, 1400 E Midway Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
History of Savannas Preserve State Par
Long before it became a go-to spot for quiet rides and wildlife watching, the “Savannas” were part of a much larger ribbon of freshwater marshes that once stretched along Florida’s southeast coast. Today’s Savannas Preserve State Park protects the largest and most intact remnant of that historic landscape—running more than 10 miles from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach and anchored by a rare freshwater basin marsh connected to the North Fork of the St. Lucie River system. Florida State Parks
Human history here is tied closely to the Treasure Coast’s agricultural boom—especially pineapple farming. In 1881, Captain Thomas Richards is credited with planting the first pineapple slips in the area, and the industry quickly shaped how people lived and worked along the Indian River Lagoon region. Local history at the park often highlights “Miss Lucie Richards” and the pineapple-era story as a defining chapter in how this landscape was settled and used. Florida State Parks
As the Treasure Coast developed, wetlands like these became increasingly vulnerable—drainage, land conversion, and rapid growth threatened the remaining savannas. What makes this park’s origin story special is that it wasn’t saved by accident. Public advocacy and conservation pressure helped push the state to act. In 1977, Florida made a major initial purchase of 3,812 acres, and Savannas Preserve State Park was born. Staffing, stewardship, and protection followed—helping both habitat and wildlife rebound over time. Florida State Parks
Today, the preserve encompasses 6,000+ acres and protects a mix of wet prairie, marsh, scrub, and flatwoods ecosystems—an irreplaceable slice of old Florida in the middle of a rapidly growing region. And when the Environmental Education Center is open, it adds another layer to the story—connecting visitors to the park’s ecology and the human history that shaped it.
