One of many favorite end-of-summer activities is bonding with our four-legged companion hiking around Brevard County.
Hiking has many benefits for both yourself and your pup. For your pup, he or she can combat boredom, live a healthy life, and give your dog a sense of destressing. A hyper pet that lives inside much of the time can benefit significantly from getting out of doors to enjoy some energy release.
Dogs are much like humans; we both benefit from a healthy diet, exercise, and fresh air. Dogs can have much built-up “stress” from being inside while their human is at work; hiking allows them to enjoy running through a creek or jumping over rocks. Regarding your benefits, it is a great way to exercise; hiking with your pet gives you a sense of security, gives you time to work on basic commands, and relaxes you and your pet outside the usual walking routine.
With all the great benefits that hiking provides, we have compiled the top five places to take your dog hiking in or near Brevard County.
Three Forks Marsh Conservation Area in Melbourne
Three Forks is a vast conservation area surrounding the St. Johns River in the Melbourne area. There are several access points on Three Forks Marsh Conservation due to the extensive acreage. With over 50,000 acres, a person can find many different types of hiking varieties. Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area is a Northern access point at the end of Malabar Road. Hiking and biking are permitted along the levees in this area. The Bulldozer Canal Section can be hiked around during the dry season, enjoying this lovely man-made canal.
Smyrna Dunes Park at Ponce Inlet
Smyrna Dunes Park is on the Mosquito Lagoon at Ponce Inlet in New Smyrna Beach. It has a 1.4-mile boardwalk maritime hammock, marshes, and large coastal dunes. This short walk will provide you with a wide variety of wildlife as you make your way on this dune walkover trail.
The Canaveral National Seashore is in Titusville, Florida. This beautiful coast has nature trails that exhibit a barrier island, maritime forest, and coastal habitats. A hike can be taken on a leisurely 1.5-mile trail along the seashore or on a 12-mile trail that runs from the north to south ends of the park.
Lake Ashby Park in New Smyrna Beach
Take in all that the beautiful Lake Ashby has to offer on a 1.5-mile nature trail. This trail surrounds cypress trees, flooded forests, and delightful hardwood hammocks. Admission is free at this unique New Smyrna Beach park.
Lake Monroe in Sanford
For some longer hiking trails, try Lake Monroe, which is 4.5 miles in total. Some trails are only 2 miles through a slough called Brickyard Slough to trails that meander through thick trees and natural vegetation that surround the lake.
Coast to Coast Trail Brevard
Between Titusville, Scottsmoor, and Mims is a beautiful paved cycling/hiking trail. The 16.4-mile Brevard Coast to Coast Trail connects Titusville to Maytown with the eastern portion of the state-spanning coast-to-coast. The trail goes through towns and “off-road” to enjoy more of what nature offers. How fun does that sound?!
Living in Florida yields gorgeous weather for most of the year, allotting for a more extended hiking season than most parts of the United States. Get outside and enjoy some fresh Florida air.
If the demands of your job don’t allow for much outside time with your canine friend, call Space Coast Pet Services. We will be happy to ensure your pet gets the exercise needed with our in-home drop-in pet care and dog walking services! When the weather is too hot or rainy to spend much time outdoors, we will give them lots of love and playtime indoors so you come home to a rested, happy pet!
Happy Trails!
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