Solid Waste Authority — Greenway Trail System

West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County


little blue heron
6600 45th Street - 7501 N. Jog Road
West Palm Beach

Website

Overview: If you live in Palm Beach County, there's a pretty good chance that your garbage ends up here at the Solid Waste Authority's headquarters in West Palm Beach. In plain language, this is a dump, but an extraordinarily beautiful dump, with a network of four nature trails and 300 acres of nature preserve incorporated into the complex. The natural landscape is no accident, not an after throught. It was delibeberately designed to show that nature and industry can co-exist next to each other. Three of the trails connect with the 16-mile long Owahee Trail that borders West Palm Beach's prestine Grassy Waters Preserve. The four trails meander through wet prairies, moist pinelands, wet pinelands, cypress swamps and along open-water Lake Altman. A landfill looms across Jog Road from the preserve but never do you get an untoward wiff or unsightly scene.

All told, the trail network covers about four miles, plus 1.8 miles of the neighboring Owahee Trail, plenty for an afternoon's exploration. The trails are wide and easy walking. In places, there are boardwalks that take hikers through wet places without them having to get their feet wet. There are also overlooks in strategically placed spots. There are benches and interpretive signs throughout and designated parking at the headquarters. The benches and boardwalks are made of recycled plastic; the trails are recycled concrete.

History: During planning of the Solid Waste Authority complex back in 1985, the 300-acre site was permanently designated as a conservation area. The trailway system opened in early 2008.

wet meadow and marsh

What You'll See: At 300 acres, the Greenway Trail System isn't huge, but put together with neighboring parks and preserves, you have a natural area that covers thousands of acres and expands the list of flora and fauna you might see. We spotted snail kites, cardinals, red-bellied woodpeckers and bluejays during our walks, plus herons and egrets along Lake Altman. A variety of warblers were spotted as well. With some luck, you might spot a bald eagle, river otter, white-tailed deer or bobcat. There are carnivorous flowers, air plants and a variety of ferns.

Amenities: There is parking at the two main trailheads, plus nearly six miles of trails. There are interpretive signs and benches along the way. There is no drinking water or restrooms along the trails but both are available at the main administrative building during business hours.

Nearby: As noted, the Greenway Trail System connects to both Grassy Waters Preserve and Apoxee Trail. Winding Waters Natural Area is relatively close on Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach. Take Jog Road to the Beeline Highway and you'll encounter Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area and Sweetbay Natural Area. Farther west: Pine Glades Natural Area along Indiantown Road; on the Beeline: J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area; on Pratt Whitney Road: Jones Hungryland Wildlife and Environmental Area.

Of Note: The Solid Waste Authority Greenway Trail System is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. The Rookery Trail is closed between February 1 and September 30 to protect nesting birds some of which are state or federally listed as endangered or threatened.

Cover Photo: A little blue heron stalking the shores of Lake Altman. The lake is the first major feature hikers come across along the Butterfly Loop trail. Second photo: Some of the wet habitat hikers will encounter along the trail. Never fear, no wet feet. This photo was taken from one of the short side trails and observation platforms along the Butterfly Loop.
Virtual Tour


Getting There ...
DIRECTIONS: From I95 north or south, exit at 45th Street in West Palm Beach and head due west until its terminus. The road makes a 90-degree turn and becomes North Jog Road. Look for the south entrance, 6600 45th Street, here. For the entrance to the main campus, follow North Jog north; the entrance will be on the left. The trail heads are along the permeter of the parking lot, one behind the main office building. If you're taking the Turnpike, exit at Jog Road and follow south to the entrance on your right.

Photo Gallery for Solid Waste Authority — Greenway Trail System

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Published by Wild South Florida, PO Box 7241, Delray Beach, FL 33482.
Photographs by David Sedore. Photographs are property of the publishers and may not be used without permission.