Jack Island

Jack Island has a main loop trail system with two routes crossing from the N W E and S points. The most diversity can be seen along the inner trails, and the path from the four-way to the North provides the most shade. It’s very humid on the island, and there are very aggressive mosquitoes here, so bringing bug spray, water and sunscreen is very important. The terrain can be a little uneven for walking. There is a $2 cash parking fee at the park entrance. Overall this is a great place for cycling or hiking. 🏝️

I guess this is what remains of the tower? Without a tower and without any access to the water, it’s basically a buggy walk through mangroves.

4/29/25 stopped by Jack Island State Park via Jack Island Access road off the A1A. Looks like a great place to hike, nice breeze, lizards around, parking fee slot there as well, no restrooms.

Great place for hiking. If you are into wildlife and are quiet you can see otters playing in their natural habitat. The young otters were quite inquisitive and approached within 10 feet. Raccoons were also spotted and I did see dolphin by the viewing tower area. Unfortunately, the tower has been closed for close to 2 years. Several varieties of birds were spotted throughout my hikes but I caution that you have to be quiet to catch them plucking fish out of the water.

Dog friendly: yes The trail is more of a service road. It is flat, sandy and wide. It is an easy hike. The vegetation is thick on both sides; you will not get lost. It was an overcast Sunday afternoon when I hiked. The trail is not covered by trees so on a sunny day it will be in the sun. I met only one other person on the one-mile section that I hiked. There were no paper copies of the map at the kiosk so I took a photo of the display. Other than an airplane flying by overhead and the faint sound of a motorboat in the distance, I only heard insects. Parking is $2 if you do not have a state park pass. I plan to go back to hike more sections of the 12 mile trail.