Garnet Trail Preview

Garnet Trail

The Garnet Trail is the longest hiking trail starting on the Sams House property and leads to Pine Island Conservation Area. This wilderness trail traverses the swampy, fern-filled Oak Hammock, Salt Marsh, Mangrove Swamp, Sams Creek, and a Brackish Lake.

Garnet Trail

Garnet Trail

South Borrow Lake

The trail continues around the South Borrow Lake. The north and south lakes were dug out for fill material for the shuttle landing facility. Today these man-made lakes are maintained and used by Brevard County for stormwater management. They are also home to many migrating birds during the winter as well as cormorants, herons, and anhingas. This is the perfect area to see Roseate Spoonbills flying overhead (look for the flash of pink!)

Manatee Overlook

If you travel down the path on the left there is a short trail to the Manatee overlook. This area connects straight to the Indian River Lagoon allowing many species to enter this area. Manatees are most likely viewable during the early spring and summer months.

Pine Island Kiosk

While traveling into Pine Island Conservation Area via Pine Island Road this is the main kiosk you will see. From this point, you can travel along the conservation area and visit our five other trails. Pine Island Conservation area is also used by Brevard County for stormwater management. The north lake is equipped with pumps in order to help lower water levels in the canals before hurricanes.