The 400-foot boardwalk is the largest build project on the trails to date. It was completed on July 13, 2021, after several months of hard work by dedicated volunteers.
The boardwalk spans two creeks and passes through areas of the preserve that remain wet for a good portion of the year. By elevating the trail above the wetland floor, the boardwalk also allowed the natural foliage to reclaim the area that ran along the original trail — a beautiful example of nature and infrastructure working together.
Building the boardwalk through the Florida wetland was a months-long effort. Here's how it came together — from first posts in the ground to the finished path winding through the palms.
Step 1 — Framing the Route
Step 2 — Laying the Decking
The Finished Boardwalk
The completed 400-foot boardwalk winds gently through a dense canopy of palms and hardwoods. Photo by Mark Smith, PixelSmith.
All the amenities of the trail system are maintained by volunteers. Students can receive Bright Futures Service hours for helping. Follow trail events and contact the trail leaders at the Trails of River Hills Facebook page.
