South Tropical Trail was a winding, narrow, two-lane road in Florida that I used to travel back to 1960s. It ran from Indian Harbor Beach, Florida’s South tip, to South Tip of Merritt Island. The roadway continued north along the eastern edge of Merritt Island to its more populated middle, near State Road 520. Mather’s Bridge, an old wooden bridge from which I spent my youth fishing, was located at Merritt Island’s west end. There you could also find the Mather’s Bridge Fish Camp. Large homes were found along the path, amongst large property on the eastern side of the road. The trail ran from the Banana River to the Indian River. These are “estates”Undeveloped land with dense vegetation gave this area an otherworldly feel. The Trail was also the subject of urban legends, such as the “Haunted House”An old and neglected nursing home, abandoned in disrepair, that is still haunted by residents who have died. It was home to the “Madman with the Machete”A man thought to be insane, who walked the trails at night looking for teenagers parking in empty lots. And then there was the “Girl in the Glass Coffin”The story is that a blind man raised his child until the tragic death of her mother in her teens. Distressed by her loss and a lifetime of blindness, the father placed his daughter’s remains above ground in a glass coffin. “she will not have to spend eternity in darkness as she spent her short life”. Then, there was our version of “Dead Man’s Curve”A section on the trail that saw a greater than average number of fatal traffic accidents, often with younger drivers who show off at night. All the alleged “Haunted House”Was there ghosts or no, it was as if “Dead Man’s Curve, a narrow curve on the edge of the Indian River Lagoon lined with thick trees. The “Glass Coffin for Girl” was a story you always heard third hand, I never met anybody who had actually seen her or could tell exactly where she was, and I never personally met the “Machete Madman”.
Despite that, I think the stretch from State Road 520 on Merritt Island Southward, to Mather’s Bridge which links the South tip of Merritt Island with Indian Harbor Beach, is the most fascinating drive along East central Florida’s Space Coast. It can be accessed in three sections. However, it seems to get better as you travel further south, with the southernmost being my favorite.
From State Road 520 Causeway, the northmost entrance is at the stoplight east from the Indian River Bridge. It will be located west of South Courtenay Parkway and 520 if you approach from the east. South Tropical Trail, which runs from 520 to its east, will pass through mostly residential areas the first three miles. However, once you reach the end of that stretch, the trail follows the Indian River lagoon’s eastern shoreline, offering spectacular views. To the east, homes with high ends dominate. It will then continue on this route for about 2 miles. At that point, the trail heads east to South Courtenay Parkway. South Courtenay Parkway (or State Road 3) becomes South Tropical Trail.
If you want to skip the first leg of the route, the second leg can be reached directly via South Courtenay Parkway. It will first pass residential, but then it begins to hug Banana River east, offering spectacular views. To the west are beautiful homes with large lots.
You can access the third, or southernmost, leg by going underneath Pineda Causeway. It is the most picturesque section of the drive, with the trail following the Indian River Lagoon shoreline. Here, the island is smaller and more homeowners live on the land. The property runs from the Banana River down to the Indian River. Tropical foliage flourishes as attractive gazebos are set up along the shoreline. Sunset is a spectacular time to see the stunning views. South Tropical Trail ends at Mather’s Bridge. At this point, the island is barely wider than the road. It then turns east to cross the bridge and becomes Banana River Drive, entering Indian Harbor Beach.