The Dunes (Martin County, Florida) facts for kids
The Dunes is a cool set of areas in Martin County, Florida, where people used to go off-roading. Off-roading means riding special motorcycles or ATVs on rough trails, not just regular roads. There are five different sections here that are perfect for these kinds of adventures.
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Exploring The Dunes: Off-Road Fun in Florida
The main area, also called The Dunes, is the biggest part of this off-roading spot. It has exciting sand jumps, fun trails that wind through pine trees, and even a small pond. However, you can't ride vehicles there anymore. A fence was put up, and now cattle live in The Dunes, making it their home.
Grassy Dunes: A Quiet Riding Spot
Just south of the main Dunes area, you'll find Grassy Dunes. This spot is mostly a flat, open area covered in grass, but it also has many tall pine trees. It's very close to where people live, so it doesn't have any big jumps. You can get into Grassy Dunes from two different spots along Locks Road.
Dunes East: A Trail to the Swamp
Dunes East is a long, narrow sandy trail. It starts in a thick forest, where trees grow close together. As you follow the trail, it eventually leads to a swamp. A swamp is a wet, marshy area, often with trees growing in the water. This trail also gets close to a stream that flows only during certain times of the year.
Turnpike Dunes: Home of the Tortoises
Getting to Turnpike Dunes can be a bit tricky because you have to cross a muddy swamp. But once you get there, you'll find a wide-open area filled with sand. This spot is right next to Phipps Park. Many gopher tortoises live here! These special tortoises dig long tunnels in the ground to live in. The area is named Turnpike Dunes because it's very close to Florida's Turnpike, a big highway.
Venetian Dunes: Ponds and Hills
Venetian Dunes is located where a planned community, called Venetian Village, was supposed to be built but never finished. This area has two roads and two ponds. You won't find any trees here. You can reach Venetian Dunes by going up a steep hill that is near a trailer park.
