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Large branches, adorned in bright green foliage, stretch across the trail, in Canaveral National Seashore. The trees look as if they desire to create a work of art. Our attention is focused on the beauty of the silent, still, trail. Then we hear the sound. Grunt-grunt-snort. Grunt-grunt-snort. We make eye contact, turn around, and power-walk back to the car. If you live in the Philadelphia area, or download the podcast, you are familiar with the Preston and Steve Show’s segment, The Bizarre File. As a loyal listener, I’ve heard several stories regarding wild pig attacks in Florida. At our next stop, we encounter a Park Ranger, and inquire if there are wild pigs on the trails. He confirms yes, there are wild pigs in the park. We did the correct thing, by discontinuing our walk. Pig attack averted.
In addition to a long, sandy, stretch of beach, Florida’s Canaveral National Seashore, offers a scenic drive, a historic home, and nature trails.
Turtle Mound Trail
The first trail, after passing through the fee booth, is the Turtle Mound trail. The Turtle Mound is a midden, like the one seen at Florida’s Seminole Rest National Historic Site. After visiting Everglades National Park, The Turtle Mound’s, boardwalk trail, is a familiar encounter.
It’s an easy trail, with interesting trees and views.
Apollo Beach Visitors’ Center
Next stop is the Apollo Beach Visitors’ Center.
There are a few exhibits about wildlife in the area, and stamps for your National Park Passport book.
We’re ready to view Canaveral National Seashore’s film, but are told that on this day, the theater is occupied by a digital photography presenter.
Castle Windy Trail
Castle Windy Trail is my favorite of the day. Bright green plants, finding homes on low handing branches.
Our time on the trail is sadly cut short by the above wild pig encounter. We never get a chance to see the trail’s end.
Eldora Hammock Trail
Agricultural Town, turned winter resort for the rich, the Eldora State house is the only remaining building of Eldora Village.
The house is now a museum that includes exhibits and a movie. The exhibits featured some of the town’s interesting occupants including the grave stone for the town’s beloved mule, Dolly.
We have a nice chat with the Park Ranger Stationed in the house.
I recommend stopping and spending some time exploring this piece of Canaveral National Seashore’s history.
There are short, easy trails around the house.
This is the only area where we must step around a few large puddles and muddy spots.
Wildlife
One of my favorite parts of visiting any National Park site, is spotting wildlife. I’m especially excited by creatures I don’t see at home. Due to some pre-visit research, we are on armadillo watch. Fortunately we spy one on the side of the road.
We saw this guy, sitting in the middle of the road, so I got out of the car and encouraged him to scoot to the side, before a less wildlife enthusiast visitor, didn’t spot him, leading to his demise.
I don’t think he grasped the severity of the situation, as he seemed rather grumpy.
Beaches
Depending on your views, there is different type of wildlife at Canaveral National Seashore. As you drive you will see a sign.
There are three types of sign readers. Those who avoid the beach completely, those who feel challenged to see if the sign is true, and those who miss seeing the sign entirely. We feel challenged to see if the sign is true. It is. The best entertainment of the day is watching the people who missed the sign, sauntered up the ramp for view of the beach, then seeing the look on their faces, when the view included more than they expected.
Most of the sections of beach are clothing required.
We observe families and individuals with towels stretched out, beach chairs nestled in the sand, and pails and shovels in hand. Due to this beach requiring either an entrance fee or an America The Beautiful season pass, the sand is pleasantly uncrowded.
There are public restrooms throughout the park. Vending machines are located at the visitors’ center, but if you want something more substantial, you’ll have to pack your own lunch, drinks, and snacks. Be certain to bring sunblock and bug repellant, if walking the trails. The lagoon is named Mosquito Lagoon for a reason.
Located next to Canaveral National Seashore, is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge contains hiking trails, a manatee observation deck, and is a must for avid birders. We only drove through the site, but if we had an extra day, we would have made time for extra wildlife exploration.
Norwood’s
We passed Norwood’s on our drive from Cocoa Beach to Canaveral National Seashore. Perhaps we are easily amused, but I deemed eating at a treehouse restaurant, a must-do experience.
The upstairs bar offers fun views of the trees, enjoyable décor,
and tasty food. It’s a worthy post-park stop.
Beautiful trees, vast stretches of sandy beaches, and a touch of history education, makes Canaveral National Seashore, a satisfying visit. Whether you are visiting Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach, or have extra time before or after a cruise, consider adding Canaveral National Seashore to your itinerary.
