Best Places to hike in Miami, Florida
Are you planning to go hiking in Miami? Do you want to try an outdoor adventure with your friends and loved ones in this beautiful place? You need not browse the web for places to go hiking near Miami because you have already come to the right place.
Undoubtedly, Miami is known to be a great beach and nightlife destination. The South Beach area is popular amongst party-goers who want to experience the world-famous Miami nightlife. However, its reputation for being a great beach and party destination does not mean there are no other outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in this beautiful city.
The hot weather in Miami makes it a great beach destination but also makes hiking ideal. The warm weather means you can go on a trail for walks, provided sun protection is applied on your skin and you are wearing appropriate clothing for hiking. Miami is home to numerous parks with fantastic trails that offer unparalleled views of nature and wildlife.
This guide will introduce you to Miami’s best-kept secrets: its trails that are perfect for casual and serious hikers looking for a great time. Read on to learn about the various hiking destinations in Miami and a list of things you should remember when going for a hike.
Where to Hike in Miami
There are plenty of hiking spots in Miami for people craving outdoor activity. It is important to note that the trails in/near Miami feature elevation, so expect to scale mountainsides and hills during your trip. Below is a list of Miami hiking spots with all the necessary information to help you decide which trail to visit.
Oleta River State Park
Trail distance: 2.98 miles
Location: North Miami Beach, FL
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Fees: $2 for hikers on foot
The Oleta River State Park is ideal for people who want to hike in a nearby national park. The state park is only a half-hour drive from downtown Miami. The park is suitable for bikers because of its trail design. People going on foot will still find walking in the park a fun and memorable time.
Other activities on this hiking trail include bird watching, swimming, and kayaking. Pets like dogs are allowed on the trail but should always be kept on a leash. The Oleta River State Park is a great option to escape the busy life in the city.
Snake Creek Trail
Trail distance: 10.12 miles
Location: North Miami Beach, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: None
If you are looking for another hiking spot in Miami that won’t entail long hours of travel, then the Snake Creek Tail is a good option. The trail is located in North Miami Beach, which is just 20 minutes away from the city. The trails in Snake Creek are ideal for families and beginners looking for a casual stroll while appreciating the beauty of nature.
The Snake Creek Trail being an easy hike does not mean expert hikers will not have a great time. The trail’s 10-mile out-and-back route is perfect for hikers of all skill levels. People who will go here for their hiking trip will also enjoy the view of the river and wildlife.
Fairchild Botanical Garden Loop
Trail distance: 1.6 miles
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: Free for Fairchild members; $24.95 for adults
Fairchild Botanical Garden has a loop that stretches for more than one and a half miles which can be an excellent trail for casual and advanced hikers. Most would consider this an easy course, which only takes about 30 minutes to complete. The Fairchild Botanical Garden is one of the more popular outdoor attractions in Florida and is ideal for nature lovers who want to walk a trail while witnessing a fantastic view of the rainforest and nature.
The trail is popular for walking, jogging, and even bird-watching. The Fairchild Botanical Garden is open throughout the year and is recommended for all hikers, regardless of their skill level.
Historic Virginia Key Trail
Trail distance: 2.4 miles
Location: Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: None
If you are searching for the perfect balance of urban setting and wildlife for your hiking trip, the trail at the Historic Virginia Key Beach may be what you are looking for. This loop near Miami is an easy route for family and friends looking for a walking trail near a beautiful beach. Mountain bikers will find this trail a great option, while anyone looking to explore the loop on foot will not be disappointed.
Hikers can opt for a picnic after a long walk on the trail, with picnic tables available in the vicinity. This is truly a perfect place for people who want to relax after a fun day walking the 2.4-mile route. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed here, so you’d have to leave your animal companion at home.
Old Cutler Trail
Trail distance: 26 miles
Location: Matheson Hammock Park – Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: None ($5 entrance fee for vehicles)
The Old Cutler Road is where the trail got its name since it follows the historic road and continues through the residential neighborhoods in the original wilderness path of the 1800s. Hikers who choose to walk this trail will enjoy the view of some of Florida’s famous mansions and other popular destinations like the gardens of Pinecrest and Fairchild.
The trail is excellent for bikers, runners, and hikers. Expect the trail’s surface to be filled with fallen leaves and dirt, given that the trail is located in the heart of Matheson Hammock Park. People looking for a lengthier stroll that would take at least half the day to complete will find the Old Cutler Trail a fitting choice.
Pa-Hay-Okee Trail
Trail distance: 0.25 miles
Location: Everglades National Park, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: $15 per person on foot, valid for seven days
The Pa-Hay-Okee trail is located in the Everglades National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park in South Florida, frequented by travelers from all over the country, features a short trail recommended for people who want to go on short walks and hikes. The park is excellent for seeing various wildlife, including endangered and rare species.
The wonderful thing about walking the Pa-Hay-Okee trail is its proximity to other short trails you can try. Some short trails nearby are the West Lake and Shark Valley trails.
University Of Miami Perimeter Path
Trail distance: 2.7 miles
Location: Coral Gables, FL
Trail difficulty: Easy
Fees: None
People interested in going on hikes in the city will find the University of Miami Perimeter Path an outstanding choice. One of the premier universities in Florida, the University of Miami is home to a 2.7-mile-long trail with fantastic views, ideal for groups and individuals looking for a great hiking spot.
Those who plan to hike here are advised to prepare sunblock lotion for skin protection, as the trail features varying landscapes with a mix of shade and exposed areas to the sun. Biking and jogging are also some of the other everyday activities that can be done on the trail.
A Guide To Hiking in Miami: Things To Keep In Mind
Now that you have ideas on the places perfect for hiking in Miami, the next important step is to know the hiking essentials. This guide will be handy for people who are new to hiking. Equipping yourself with the proper knowledge and information about hiking near Miami will make your experience more fun and worry-free. So without further ado, here are things you should keep in mind when hiking in Miami:
Prepare a Daypack
What is a daypack? A daypack is typically a lightweight backpack with enough storage space for small items necessary for shorter day hikes. Daypacks are the best option when hiking because it would be easier and more convenient to walk on the trails without a heavy backpack to carry on your shoulders. Hiking only takes a day at most, so it is practical to pack light and take only the essentials with you. Make sure that you bring a meal and some snacks for your hike to keep your energy at a high level.
Bring a Water Bottle
Never forget to bring a water bottle when hiking. It is probably one of the essential things to carry on a walking trail. Hiking consumes a lot of your body’s energy so remember to stay hydrated.
Wear Hike-Appropriate Clothing and Gear
Since you will spend most of your time walking on various surfaces, see that you wear sturdy shoes. It is also recommended to wear hiking socks to ensure that your feet are dry, cushioned, and not as sweaty. Remember that wearing the proper footwear and accessories can help avoid blisters during hiking.
Wear moisture-wicking clothes to keep yourself dry and comfortable. It is almost guaranteed that you’ll sweat a lot when walking the trails, so it is essential to wear clothing that dries sweat quickly. Since you are going on a day trail, it would also be practical to wear long sleeves and trousers to protect from insects and hot weather. It will also be a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket if you have one.
Research and Plan Your Hike
It wouldn’t hurt to do even some light research on the trail you are going to with your friends and family. Having the correct information about the path and learning the rules in the area beforehand will make your hiking safer and less prone to inconveniences. Knowing if there is a parking area or fees needed going to the trail will enable you to be prepared with the budget and other logistical concerns. Remember that planning your hike is always a good idea to make your experience stress-free.
More Hiking Essentials
Bringing insect repellants, sunblock lotion, and towels is advisable. Preparing a kit to help freshen you up after the long hike would also be a good idea. A quick-dry towel would also come in handy in wiping off sweat. Last but not least, consider bringing a phone with a decent camera (or a standalone digital camera) to capture the beautiful scenery and moments you will witness during your trail. You can expect a lot of Instagram-worthy views when hiking, so do not forget to bring a good camera to take photos.
Conclusion
There are plenty of Miami hiking destinations perfect for people who love the outdoors. The various trails, which feature varying lengths, give hikers of all skill levels plenty of options.
People who want to walk on trails that feature the diverse wildlife in Florida will enjoy the Fairchild Botanical Garden and Pa-Hay-Okee trail. Meanwhile, the scenery at the Oleta River State Park and Snake Creek Trail will leave nature lovers in awe. Those who enjoy the view of the beach will find the Historic Virginia Key Trail an ideal destination. On the other hand, the Old Cutler Trail and the University of Miami Perimeter Path will most likely be the choice of people who want to walk the trails with a view of the city.
It is also necessary to be prepared when going for a hike to make your experience as smooth sailing as possible. Knowing what to bring with you on your walk and learning the critical information about the hiking destination will ensure a safer and more enjoyable time for everyone.
Without a doubt, there is something for everybody when it comes to hiking in Miami. The information in this guide will be helpful if you finally go hiking in Miami. So what are you waiting for? Pack your things and head to Miami to enjoy an unforgettable time outdoors!
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