Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: A Visitor's Guide From Amara

The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a protected piece of the Everglades on the western edge of Palm Beach County. Its main entrance and visitor center are at 10216 Lee Road in Boynton Beach, reached from US 441, also called State Road 7. For buyers at Amara by DiVosta, which sits on the west side of the same road, it is one of the biggest outdoor spaces nearby. Here are the trails, hours, fees and safety rules, all from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's own pages.

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge at a Glance

These facts come from the refuge's official page, checked October 14, 2026.

The refuge calls itself ""one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation."" It protects Everglades land, including the cypress swamp you can walk through on its boardwalk. The refuge's trail pages mention wading birds, alligators, turtles and frogs.

How to Get to the Refuge

The refuge's visit page gives these directions from Boynton Beach Boulevard: head west, turn left (south) at US 441/State Road 7, continue about two miles, then turn right on Lee Road.

Amara sits on the west side of the same road, south of Hypoluxo Road. That puts the refuge a straight run south on State Road 7. We do not give drive times. Try the trip at the time of day you would really go. Our guide to State Road 7 and the roads near Amara explains how the main roads connect.

The refuge also has two other access areas, Hillsboro and 20 Mile Bend. The refuge says both are open 24 hours. The Lee Road entrance is the one with the visitor center.

Hours

According to the refuge's visit page:

• Headquarters area (the Lee Road entrance): open daily, 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

• Visitor Center: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

• Hillsboro and 20 Mile Bend areas: open 24 hours

Hours can change for weather, holidays or maintenance. Check the refuge's page the day you go.

Entrance Fees

The refuge lists these fees:

• Daily pass: $10 per vehicle

• Annual pass: $25 per vehicle

• On foot, bicycle or horseback: the fee is waived

The refuge also lists Fee Free Days. Passes are sold at the visitor center, at seasonal fee booths and on Recreation.gov. These were the fees on October 14, 2026. Check the refuge's site before you go, because fees can be updated.

Trails and Things to Do

The refuge's trails page lists several trails. Here are the main ones near the Lee Road entrance.

• Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. A short loop on an elevated wooden boardwalk through a cypress swamp, starting at the visitor center. Good for a first visit and for anyone who wants an easy walk. No pets.

• Marsh Trail. A loop of about a mile with canals on both sides. The refuge says visitors may see wading birds, alligators, turtles and frogs. Fishing is allowed. No pets.

• Canoe Trail. A 5.5-mile paddling trail that starts at the Lee Road Boat Ramp. Bring your own canoe or kayak.

• Impoundment trails. Longer walking routes around the A and C impoundments, a few miles each.

• Perimeter Levee Trail. A very long levee trail. The refuge says about 36 miles of it are open to trail users.

The refuge also lists birding, wildlife photography, biking, boating, sport fishing in marked areas, hunting in season, ranger-led programs and horseback riding on the levees.

About tours. People often search for airboat or tram tours at the refuge. We did not find either one listed on the refuge's own pages. If a company offers a tour, check that it is allowed and where it runs.

Pets and Safety

Pets. The refuge allows pet walking only on the Perimeter Levee Trail, on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed on the boardwalk or the Marsh Trail.

Alligators and snakes. The refuge warns about alligators and venomous snakes. Its advice is simple:

• Use the ""thumbs up"" check. Hold your thumb out at arm's length. If your thumb does not cover the whole animal, you are too close.

• If an animal changes what it is doing because of you, back away.

• Never swim anywhere on the refuge.

• Do not feed or bother wildlife.

Bring water and sun protection. The Florida sun is strong, even on a short walk.

Planning Your First Visit

If you have never been, here is a simple first visit.

1. Start at the visitor center on Lee Road. It is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ask the staff what is being seen on the trails that week.

2. Walk the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk. It starts at the visitor center and is the easiest way to see the swamp up close.

3. Then try the Marsh Trail. It is longer, with canals on both sides, and the refuge says this is where you may see wading birds, turtles and alligators.

4. Come back another day to paddle. If you have a canoe or kayak, the 5.5-mile Canoe Trail is the next step.

Wear closed shoes, bring water, and keep your distance from wildlife.

Why the Refuge Matters When You Buy at Amara

When people picture western Palm Beach County, they think of horses and new neighborhoods. The refuge is the other half of the story. It is a huge, protected natural area. For a buyer who likes birding, walking, paddling or photography, having it a short trip down State Road 7 is a real plus.

If you like the outdoors, there is a second spot nearby with a long boardwalk over constructed wetlands. See Green Cay's 1.5-mile boardwalk guide.

If you want to explore farther west, toward farms and big lots, read living in Loxahatchee, FL, and for family outings in that area, things to do near Loxahatchee, including Lion Country Safari. Note that the community called Loxahatchee and the Loxahatchee refuge are different places that share a name.

See the homes at Amara. They have recently started in the low $1,200,000s. Call 561-704-0091 for today's numbers.

Common Questions

Want to see Amara and spend the morning at the refuge? Call 561-704-0091 or request an Amara tour time. We will help you plan the day.

Related reading: Our Green Cay Nature Center guide · State Road 7 and the roads near Amara · Living in Loxahatchee, FL