Pondhawk Natural Area
Pondhawk Natural Area
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Duration: < 1 hour
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
19 reviews
Excellent
15
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tracy W.
3 contributions
Nov 2020
Be sure to visit the Storywalk trail (.07 miles) with your children and read about nature along the way. The Boca Raton Public Library features a rotating children's book - the current one is The Bugliest Bug Paperback by Carol Diggory Shields - in page posts along the trail to make the experience very entertaining. Storywalk is sponsored by the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library in conjunction with the City of Boca Raton Recreation Services and Palm Beach County.
Written 2 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia W
Freeland, MI814 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
There are two different lakes you can walk around. There is a lot of the trail that goes through a dry grassy area. The birds were around the water areas, but it all was a nice walk. It was a rainy day, and we saw several different birds. It was a fun walk. Many people running the trails. We felt it was a safe environment, but there are no restrooms.
Written 5 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kabumpous
Storrs, CT55 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We needed a hike after days at a beach resort, this place offers highly paved trail around slough (2+ miles) , a nicely paved trail in the woods (0;8 miles) and 0.5 hikes on trail and is attached to longer trails on Spanish River. There were plenty of wildlife to keep one entertained and all adjacent to a wonderful library. Very much enjoyed!
Written 3 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul K
Delray Beach, FL18 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I bring my dogs here. Pets are not allowed in the nature area, but there is a good miles walk around the lake. There are all kinds of water birds, iguanas, and some cats.
Written 21 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arielfl
Coconut Creek, FL2,251 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
I have been to so many natural areas lately looking for the right one for me and I have finally found it! It's Pondhawk Natural Area. I just wish I lived closer. This area provides the size that I need to get a work out in. Located behind the magnificent Spanish River Library and Community Center you cross a bridge to enter the natural area of Pondhawk. The area is divided into three walking/ jogging trails.
The first area I explored to the right of the bridge was the natural scrub area. You cross over a small boardwalk into the area where there is a wide paved path that loops around the area. It looks pretty much like every other scrub area I have been in lately. There is a lookout pavilion that looks out onto basically nothing. The path is easy to traverse and impossible to get lost on.
Once you leave the scrub area the path continues on the left around the lake. I really enjoyed the lake path. I saw so many wading birds diving for fish. I also met the friendliest pelican. He let me come so close to take his picture. I loved meeting him. On the back side of the lake path I met the friendliest black cat. The ear was notched so I knew it was fixed. I had so much fun petting my new friend. The cat was well fed so it looks like it is enjoying it's life at Pondhawk guarding the path and greeting all the walkers and bikers. This trail let's out behind the Spanish River library.
I had to cross the bridge again and this time turn left to reach the final path. You go down a paved path that takes you under the roadway and around another large lake. There are benches for sitting provided around both lakes. Again I saw an assortment of wading birds.
Everyone in Boca seems to know about this place as I saw all kinds of people walking, running, biking, and inline skating. If you visit when the library is open you can use their restrooms and they even have a cafe inside the library if you want a snack or a drink. I didn't wear my exercise clothes the first day I came so I came back the next day properly dressed and with my daughter for company. Between all of the paths I got 5 miles in on my fitbit. The area is so beautiful. I highly recommend a visit.
The first area I explored to the right of the bridge was the natural scrub area. You cross over a small boardwalk into the area where there is a wide paved path that loops around the area. It looks pretty much like every other scrub area I have been in lately. There is a lookout pavilion that looks out onto basically nothing. The path is easy to traverse and impossible to get lost on.
Once you leave the scrub area the path continues on the left around the lake. I really enjoyed the lake path. I saw so many wading birds diving for fish. I also met the friendliest pelican. He let me come so close to take his picture. I loved meeting him. On the back side of the lake path I met the friendliest black cat. The ear was notched so I knew it was fixed. I had so much fun petting my new friend. The cat was well fed so it looks like it is enjoying it's life at Pondhawk guarding the path and greeting all the walkers and bikers. This trail let's out behind the Spanish River library.
I had to cross the bridge again and this time turn left to reach the final path. You go down a paved path that takes you under the roadway and around another large lake. There are benches for sitting provided around both lakes. Again I saw an assortment of wading birds.
Everyone in Boca seems to know about this place as I saw all kinds of people walking, running, biking, and inline skating. If you visit when the library is open you can use their restrooms and they even have a cafe inside the library if you want a snack or a drink. I didn't wear my exercise clothes the first day I came so I came back the next day properly dressed and with my daughter for company. Between all of the paths I got 5 miles in on my fitbit. The area is so beautiful. I highly recommend a visit.
Written 26 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smoopyy11863
48 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We did the yellow trail, cement all the way. Great for wheelchair. You can go off to red trail for rugged hike. So much wildlife (no gator) but the variety of landscape is enjoyable. Kids may enjoy running the path & finding iguanas.
Written 6 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald B
Trophy Club, TX486 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
This place is easy to find, as it is next to the Spanish River Library. And the library provides ample parking. The entire walk/trail is either 5-6' wide concrete walkways or boardwalks. A significant portion of the trails are in shade due to the tropical overgrowth and the entire trail is wheelchair accessible. About 700' into Pondhawk there is a pavilion that extends out over a swamp/marsh area filled with cattails. Everywhere there are signs alerting visitors to the possibility of encountering alligators. Surprisingly, I didn't find a single trash/garbage can to put waste into. Finding an area like this within 10 minutes of where I'm working was a real pleasure. I enjoyed my lunch out on the small pavilion and then took my garbage and what had been left by others, away.
Written 28 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sourcerer’s Apprentice
Boca Raton, FL812 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Tucked behind the Spanish River Library off Spanish River Rd. lies this beautiful park. On any day, you will spot over a dozen different birds lounging around its large pond, from heron, egret, osprey, anhinga, ducks, geese, etc. The trail which circles the pond finds walkers, cyclers, parents with children, and people walking dogs (dogs are permitted here but not at the adjoining Spanish River Athletic Park across the road). To access this area, just park in library lot (as you're facing the library to the back left). There is also a wonderful wilderness paved trail that meanders throughout the native plants and inhabitants. Definitely worth your visit, just to get away, if only for a few hours, from the hustle and bustle just 100 yards away. Bathrooms and a cafe are located at the adjacent library.
Written 13 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lassie6872
Delray Beach, FL155 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
We live near there so my husband and I often walk around the 2 lakes which stretch from one side of Spanish River to the other.
We walk,but many cycle or roller blade and as you pass by people, everyone is so friendly
One lake has a recreational area around it and the other has more nature and a library where you can stop by and even sit outside.
Be alert to birds and turtles and people fishing. There are also picnic areas if you feel you would like to have a drink and a snack and take in the beautiful scenery.
Definitely recommend anyone to take this walk 😊
We walk,but many cycle or roller blade and as you pass by people, everyone is so friendly
One lake has a recreational area around it and the other has more nature and a library where you can stop by and even sit outside.
Be alert to birds and turtles and people fishing. There are also picnic areas if you feel you would like to have a drink and a snack and take in the beautiful scenery.
Definitely recommend anyone to take this walk 😊
Written 17 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
djspandau
Boca Raton, FL78 contributions
Dec 2016 • Family
A beautiful nature walk is in store for you - next to the Boca Ration Library, off of Spanish River Blvd. Great time for this walk - Nov to March
Written 3 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No. Page 2 of the Pondhawk Trail Guide specifically prohibits pets.
If you Google Pondhawk you can find the whole Trail Guide which also prohibits smoking, alcoholic beverages, feeding the animals, hunting, fishing, and all motor vehicles.
Written 14 January 2018
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