Scrub Ridge Trail MINWR
A tranquil one-mile loop in Florida's scrub habitat, famous for spotting the rare Florida Scrub Jay and other native wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Scrub Ridge Trail MINWR
Best Time
Cooler temps, active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil one-mile loop in Florida's scrub habitat, famous for spotting the rare Florida Scrub Jay and other native wildlife.
"Worth the hike for the animals alone, especially the elusive Florida Scrub Jay."
🎯 Spot the Scrub Jay
Listen for chirps, but look for them when they're quiet and curious for best photo ops.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
This trail has very little shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Florida Scrub Jay Encounter
Trailhead and along the trail
Spot the rare and vulnerable Florida Scrub Jay, unique to the state. Listen for their calls, but look for them when they're quiet and curious.
Gopher Tortoise Sightings
Along the trail
Keep an eye out for Gopher Tortoises, a common sight in this sandy habitat. They are often seen basking or near their burrows.
Peaceful Nature Walk
The entire loop
Enjoy a tranquil one-mile loop through natural Florida scrub. It's a great spot for photography and quiet observation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife Spotting
Prepare for an Unshaded, Natural Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Spot the Scrub Jay
Listen for chirps, but look for them when they're quiet and curious for best photo ops.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
This trail has very little shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
👟 Watch for Muddy Patches
Trails can get muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
📸 Great for Nature Photography
Excellent opportunity for bird and wildlife photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Spot the Scrub Jay
Listen for chirps, but look for them when they're quiet and curious for best photo ops.
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
This trail has very little shade. Bring hats, sunscreen, and water.
👟 Watch for Muddy Patches
Trails can get muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
📸 Great for Nature Photography
Excellent opportunity for bird and wildlife photography.
🐾 Pet Considerations
Pets are allowed, but be mindful of spiky seed pods that can stick to fur.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Scrub Ridge Trail to be a peaceful, one-mile loop offering excellent opportunities to see rare wildlife like the Florida Scrub Jay and Gopher Tortoises. While it lacks shade and amenities, its natural beauty and wildlife make it a worthwhile visit for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
"Easy one mile loop trail. Compared to some of the other trails In the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge it was not quite as scenic. There was reports of a large gator down near one of the ponds but we were not able to see it. The trail head is near a parking lot down a fairly long drive. But their was ample parking available. Worth a check see if you are in the area."
ray weithman
"Hey there, Beautiful People; Photo Chad here. I visited this trail as a photographer, and I'm glad I did. :)
This trail is home to the legendary and Chadly Florida Scrub Jay. This bird is the only bird species that is native to Florida. It also happens to be a vulnerable bird too, which means there's about 7.7 to 9.3K of these lovely birds left alive, at least as of this review.
I was blessed to have come across some of these bad boys as I was leaving the trail on more than a few occasions. The thing about these birds is that they're sneaky.
You can hear them chirping, which means their nearby, right? But, because of this, if you hear them chirping, in my experience this means they're communicating to one another that there's someone nearby, maybe even danger...
It's when you don't hear them chirping that you're likely to spot them. That's because they're curious and they're trying to sneak up on you to see what's going on. I mention this because it's ONLY when they stop chirping that I see them pop out and that's how I got many of my pics.
Anyways, besides that you're likely to come across other animals too, although most people are here for the Scrub Jays. There's basically no shade, and in my opinion the best time to come is during the Fall, like when it's 60'ish or so in the morning.
The trail itself is pretty straight forward and is about a mile or so. If you're not looking for animals you can do this in maybe 20 or so minutes. But be careful since the trails can be muddy. And while you can bring a pet, I personally wouldn't, since there's lots of those tiny spiky brown ball thingies that stick to your clothes. They pack a punch too and are sharp.
Either way, I 100% recommend this trail."
Dave
"A very peaceful scenic 1 mile loop. No picnic tables. No bathroom. Excellent opportunity to enjoy nature and take some great pics. Be sure to check out mine. Also go see the manatee observation deck while you are here"
Shane Cherniss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located near a parking lot down a fairly long drive within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Ample parking is usually available.
Yes, the trail head is marked and located down a drive within the refuge. Follow signs for the trail.
The refuge is accessible by car. The Scrub Ridge Trail is located within the refuge, so you'll need to drive to the specific trailhead.
While specific fees for the refuge can vary, many visitors note that the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary (a nearby similar attraction) is free. It's advisable to check the official refuge website for current entrance fees.
Using GPS is recommended to navigate to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and then follow signs for the Scrub Ridge Trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required for the Scrub Ridge Trail itself. However, there may be an entrance fee for the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
The trail is located within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which typically has daylight operating hours. It's best to check the refuge's official hours.
While the trail itself is free to access, there might be an entrance fee for the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
It's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours for safety and to best experience the wildlife.
For casual photography, no special permits are usually needed. However, for commercial photography or large groups, it's wise to check with refuge management.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Scrub Ridge Trail is a peaceful, scenic one-mile loop.
Yes, it's a short and manageable loop, but be aware of the lack of shade and the potential for muddy areas.
No, there are no picnic tables or restrooms available directly at the Scrub Ridge Trailhead.
You have a good chance of spotting the rare Florida Scrub Jay, Gopher Tortoises, and various other birds and small animals.
No, the trail offers very little shade, so sun protection is highly recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, especially during fall, offer the best light and are ideal for spotting wildlife like the Florida Scrub Jay.
The main draw is photographing the vulnerable Florida Scrub Jay, but Gopher Tortoises and other native flora and fauna are also great subjects.
Photographers suggest looking for them when they are quiet and curious, as they tend to sneak up on visitors.
A telephoto lens is recommended for wildlife photography, especially for capturing the Scrub Jays from a distance.
Tripods are generally allowed for photography, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Birdwatchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elusive Florida Scrub Jay
Photographers and birdwatchers often find success by listening for their distinctive calls, but the real trick, according to some visitors, is to observe them when they are quiet. This is when they are most likely to be curious and approach, offering a better chance for observation and photography.
Navigating the Scrub Habitat
Be aware that this environment offers very little shade, so coming prepared with sun protection like hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water is crucial, especially during warmer months. The sandy terrain can also become muddy after rainfall, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are recommended to navigate the trail comfortably and safely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit