According to the St. Lucie County website, the county’s Environmental Resources Department manages over 11,000 acres of preserves and natural areas. From the beaches on the east coast of the county to the hammocks in the west, there is plenty to offer county residents and visitors. One of the hidden gems is a kayak excursion from Ten Mile Creek Preserve which is just a stone’s throw from the Florida Turnpike.
Ten Mile Creek is the western headwaters of the North Fork of the St. Lucie River. There is an easily accessible kayak launch at Ten Mile Creek Preserve. You can actually see and hear the Turnpike from the kayak launch, but as you kayak westward, you will quickly forget how close you are to civilization. You will feel like you are stepping back in time.
This stretch of the Ten Mile Creek has a very similar feel as the north fork of the St. Lucie River. There are a couple of big differences. There are fewer homes and no motorized boats. Its not that they are prohibited, but there are not any boat launches easily accessible.
As you kayak the Ten Mile Creek, you will see ancient laurel oak trees, leather ferns, bromeliads, osprey, alligators and other native Florida plants and animals. The day I visited I was able to kayak west for approximately a mile until the aquatic vegetation got too thick to traverse. Its the same choke point I have encountered each time I visit. I should also mention that from the kayak launch at Ten Mile Creek Preserve, you cannot kayak eastward due to levies and water control structures. If you were able to, the river would eventually become the north fork of the St. Lucie River. Try launching from Becker Preserve to see that stretch of the river.
As always, bring water, sunscreen, hats, whistle, safety vest and other safety equipment. Use safe kayaking practices. FWC has a great website describing these safety rules.
Resources
North Fork St Lucie Aquatic Preserve
St. Lucie County Environmental Resources Department
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