Miami-Dade’s Best Hiking

I still remember the first time I dragged myself out of bed at 5 AM to hit the trails in Miami. My friends thought I was crazy – I mean, who goes hiking in Miami of all places? But after five years of exploring every nook and cranny of our local trails, I can’t shut up about how amazing they are. So grab a coffee (you’ll need it), and let me share my absolute favorite spots with you.

The Real Deal About Hiking in Miami

Look, I get it. When most people think Miami, they picture South Beach, fancy clubs, and Cuban coffee. But there’s this whole other side to our city that tourists (and even many locals) totally miss out on. Last weekend, I was standing in the middle of a hardwood hammock, watching a family of woodpeckers go to town on an old oak tree, and I thought, “Man, people really have no idea what they’re missing.”

Best Time to Go? Honestly… NOT summer! Unless you enjoy feeling like you’re hiking in a sauna while being eaten alive by mosquitoes. November through April is your sweet spot. I learned this the hard way after a particularly sweaty July hike that had me looking like I’d jumped in a pool with my clothes on. 😅

Now, let’s talk trails…

Oleta River State Park

(My Sunday Morning Sanctuary)

Y’all, I can’t even count how many times this park has saved my sanity. It’s right in North Miami Beach, and I swear it’s like stepping into another world. The trails here aren’t trying to kill you with difficulty – they’re just right for when you need to clear your head.

Last month, I saw the most incredible sight here… A manatee mom and her baby just chilling in the river while I was taking a water break. The funny thing is, I almost didn’t go that day because it looked like rain. Best decision ever to ignore the weather app!

What you need to know:

• There’s about 15 miles of trails
• Some parts get muddy after rain (learned that one the hard way)
• The mosquitoes near the mangroves are no joke
• Parking is $6 but totally worth it

The Anhinga Trail

(AKA Alligator Central)

Okay, this is technically in the Everglades, and wow… just wow. The first time I went, I was kind of disappointed because I didn’t see much wildlife. Then a local taught me the secret – get there RIGHT when they open. Now I’ve got about 1,000 photos of alligators on my phone, and my mom thinks I’m obsessed. Maybe I am? 🐊

Quick story: Last December, I brought my nephew here, and this massive gator was sunbathing right next to the boardwalk. The kid was so excited, he almost dropped his ice cream cone! That’s the thing about the Anhinga Trail – it’s like a real-life National Geographic show, except you’re actually in it.

Matheson Hammock Park

(The Hidden Gem That Locals Want to Keep Secret)

Not gonna lie, I almost don’t want to write about this one because it’s still relatively quiet, and selfishly, I’d like to keep it that way! But sharing is caring, right?

The trails here remind me of old Florida, like what my grandparents probably saw when they first moved here. The limestone paths were built back in the 1930s, and sometimes when I’m walking them, I try to imagine what it was like back then.

Pro tip that I wish someone had told me: Bring old shoes. The limestone can be rough on fancy hiking boots, and when it rains, things get REAL slippery.

Bill Sadowski Park

(My Before-Work Secret)

This little 30-acre spot is proof that size doesn’t matter. I actually discovered it by accident when I got lost trying to find somewhere else (thanks, Google Maps). Now it’s my go-to spot before heading to the office.

The other day, I saw this incredible yellow-throated warbler here – totally made me late for work, but my boss is used to my “I saw a cool bird” excuses by now.

Virginia Key North Point

(The New Kid on the Block)

This trail system is pretty new, and boy, does it deliver! The views… just… chef’s kiss. I’ve probably taken about 50 “perfect sunset” photos here, and somehow each one looks different.

Real Talk: What You Actually Need

From someone who’s made pretty much every rookie mistake possible:

Water: Bring way more than you think. That one time I thought a small water bottle would be enough… yeah, don’t be like me.

Sun Protection: My dermatologist would kill me if I didn’t mention this. The Florida sun is BRUTAL, y’all. I have a permanent “hiking hat” that’s so faded and sweaty it’s practically a part of me now.

Bug Spray: This isn’t optional. Those mosquitoes have no respect for personal space.

The Truth About Wildlife

Here’s the thing – we share these trails with some pretty cool creatures. Most of them want nothing to do with you, but it’s their home, so respect it. That includes the grumpy-looking gators (just keep your distance and you’ll be fine).

I’ve had my fair share of close encounters – like that time I almost stepped on a snake because I was too busy looking at my phone. Lesson learned!

Let’s Get Real About Conservation

This part breaks my heart a little… Every year, I see more development pushing up against these natural areas. If you love these trails like I do, consider joining one of our local cleanup events. I go to one every month, and let me tell you, the breakfast sandwiches and coffee afterward with fellow nature lovers make it totally worth getting up early on a Saturday.

Final Thoughts

Writing this made me realize just how much these trails have become part of my life. They’re where I go to think, to not think, to sweat out bad days, and to celebrate good ones.

If you see someone on the trails with a beat-up hat, covered in mosquito repellent, probably taking their 100th photo of a tree – come say hi! It might be me, and I’m always down to share my favorite spots or hear about yours.

Stay wild, Miami! ✌️