Take a Romantic Paddle to a Secluded Beach, Through Mangrove Tunnel Trails
Article by Alex Cotleur
Photography by Alex Cotleur
Take a romantic Valentine’s Day paddle adventure to a secluded beach! A short car ride north on US 1 to Cove Road takes you into neighboring Martin County. The launch is located on the Indian River Lagoon which spans from the Ponce Inlet to the Jupiter Inlet and is widely known as the most biodiverse body of water in the continental United States.
Cove Road Park, a county managed park with minimal amenities, is where you put in. There is limited parking and no restrooms, just a couple of covered picnic tables and a trash receptacle, so plan accordingly. This location provides direct access to St. Lucie Inlet State Park. Accessible only by water, it has mangrove tunnel paddle trails, a secluded beach and a lagoon known as the Hole in The Wall located on the south side of the St. Lucie Inlet. This tidal creek paddling trail is best
Photo by Alex Cotleur
The secluded state park is only accessible by water.
This tidal creek paddling trail is best enjoyed at high tide. Your feet will sink ankle deep into the soft, mucky ground exposed at low tide and swallow your slip-on water shoe if you attempt to walk it. The 10:26 a.m. high tide on Valentine’s Day makes for a great morning paddle with glassy water as winds tend to pick up as the day goes on.
Paddles in the water at 8 a.m. should allow plenty of time for a leisurely paddle out and back. Cross the channel and paddle south along the east side of the Intracoastal to the mangrove trail that leads into the lagoon. A short paddle south inside the lagoon to the end is where you will find the beach access. Beach your equipment and walk down the sea grape tunnel path to the ocean. Support the park by paying the $2 park fee at the collection box run on the honor system.
If time allows, complete the whole trail when you leave the beach by paddling north through the winding mangrove tunnels known as “The Narrows.” This route takes you under the state park boardwalk and loops back out to the Intracoastal for a return with the incoming tide to Cove Road Park. Pack a soft-sided cooler and bring a camera. Minimal boat traffic in the lagoon provides a quiet haven for manatees, porpoises, roseate spoonbills and even bald eagles. Prefer a guide? Reach out and let’s paddle off the beaten path together!
