A lesser known portion of Savannas Preserve State Park flanks the North Fork of the St. Lucie River in Port St. Lucie.
South of where the former Halpatiokee Nature Trail at Savannas Preserve State Park was supplanted by the Crosstown Expressway, a new park entrance leads to parking near Evans Creek, a river tributary.
Evans CreekResources
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Overview
Trailhead: 27.3031, -80.3075
Address: 8979 S Federal Hwy, Port St. Lucie
Fees: $3 per vehicle
Restroom: None
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 772-398-2779
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Day use only.
Directions
From Interstate 95 exit 120 in Port St. Lucie, follow Crosstown Parkway east for 7 miles to US 1. Turn south. Look for the turn-in at the park sign on the right.
About the Park
The entrance road to the launch winds a good ways through scrub habitat that has mostly been obilterated in the surrounding urbanized area around US 1.
Unfortunately, the tropical trail that was once a part of this tract vanished when the state ceded a right of way for the Crosstown Expressway bridge right over the old entrance.
Entrance roadWe’d hiked that wild hammock many years ago, when the Halpatiokee Nature Trail led from a dirt parking area to the edge of Evans Creek.
No nature trails are on this tract yet, but it would be nice to see one added.
Pine towering over scrubThe road ends at a parking area edged by scrub forest. Follow the short sidewalk to the launch.
A picnic bench is the sole amenity for those not otherwise headed for the water to fish or paddle.
Evans Creek launchExplore More!
Learn more about Savannas Preserve State Park
Savannas Preserve State Park At Savannas Preserve State Park, a grand expanse of wet prairies and pine flatwoods extends across two counties to the west of the Indian River Lagoon.Slideshow
See our photos of the Evans Creek Tract
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Atlantic Ridge Preserve State Park Protecting what remains of the forested Atlantic Ridge between the Indian River and the St. Lucie River, this secluded state park is hidden behind subdivisions in Stuart. 
Seabranch North & South Loops On more than 1,000 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway south of Stuart, the double loop trail at Seabranch Preserve State Park showcases a coastal scrub forest.