DuPuis Wildlife and Environmental Area

John G. and Susan H. DuPuis, Jr. WEA consists of nearly 22,000 acres in northwestern Palm Beach and southwestern Martin counties and adjoins the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area to the east.

There are 4 East & West "loop" segments, joined by connectors, allowing 3, 6, 12, or the full 16.5 miles. This 12 miler rated in at simple in that the upper loops are well maintained, even mowed. The only difficulty would be walking on grassland isn't all firm footing. The loop trails are geared for casual hikers & more hardy hikers can choose the longer loop.

No real wildlife of the gator, hog, boar types spotted. Lots of butterfly’s, an egret and smaller birds. Only one pond was seen. The entire length was dry. I believe there would be much more standing water during rainy season.

I also had an opportunity to try out a new backpack - moderately loaded. The experience went well beyond planning. Very tired at the end of the day - but woke up so refreshed, relaxed & energized.

Hope to be back in Dupuis before too long as the Ocean to Lake Trail skirts the southern end & I have the last couple of legs of that to complete. The visitor center was closed. Did see some horesbackers - they have separate entrance & separate trails. The hiking trails are limited to foot traffic only.

So if your looking for a "little" rugged but want to keep it on the mild side - DuPuis can provide the experience. Once a little way in from the parking area & trail head - all that's heard is the breeze through the long needle pines.

See you on the Trails!

Parking for hikers is located at the trailhead at Gate 2.

6 or 10 mile loop hike depending on participants' consensus. Prior to or on the trail. Expect sections to be muddy and wet. Possibly for extended periods. 3-5+ hours depending on distance/difficulty. The trail is wholly established and maintained for hikers. But this is remote & wilderness. Two-thirds of the area is pinelands, and one-third is cypress swamp and freshwater marsh. In the rainy season, the pine flatwoods often contain standing water and portions of the roads could be flooded.

John G. and Susan H. DuPuis, Jr. WEA consists of nearly 22,000 acres in northwestern Palm Beach and southwestern Martin counties and adjoins the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area to the east. 35 miles of hiking trails on the area include the Ocean to Lake Trail, which traverses the width of the area, and 4 loops ranging from 5 to 15.6 miles.

November 25 sneaks in between all the various hunting seasons.

Archery Season:September 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25.
Muzzleloading Gun Season:October 7-9, 14-16 and 21-23
General Gun Mobility-Impaired Season:October 29-30
General Gun Season:November 4-6 and 11-13
Wild Hog-Still Season:November 15-17, November 29 through December 1
Small Game Season:December 3 through January 22