Miami-Dade County is a gold mine for partying, beaches and urban living. However, there is an underrated gem that is waiting to be explored in its nature trails.
Whether you are a tourist or a Florida native, these are five trails that offer a unique experience for anyone looking to enjoy their time in nature.
Black Point Jetty Trail
24775 SW 87th Ave.
Homestead, FL 33032
Monday – Sunday, Open 24 hours
The Black Point Jetty Trail is just under a mile and takes visitors along a route that leads to a jetty. Visitors can enjoy the coastal scenery as they bike, fish, run, and walk. Toward the end, early birds can experience a view of the sunrise.
Old Cutler Trail
SW 224th St
Cutler Bay, FL 33190
Monday – Sunday, Open 24 hours
The 13.6 mile long Old Cutler Trail is an ideal trail for those that want to use the route as an alternative to driving.
The commute bridges the gap between Cutler Bay and Coral Gables. It provides a clearly paved pathway with few intersections, making it a safe route to travel on.
The trail is also popular with cyclists and runners who want to challenge themselves by going for a long-distance workout. The Old Cutler Trail provides shade along the route, a crucial aspect of what makes a good trail according to cyclists.
Chinese Bridge Trail
16701 SW 72nd Ave
Miami, FL 33157
Monday – Sunday, Open from sunrise to sunset
The Chinese Bridge Trail is located inside of the Deering Estate wildlife preserve.
The trail is excellent for those looking for a short easy distance to walk, run or bike. It is a half a mile long and takes visitors through the historical Chinese Bridge.
According to the Historical Marker Database, the bridge was given its name by Charles Deering, a U.S. Naval officer, as a reminder of his travels through Asia during his time in service.
Chapman Field Park Trail
13601 Deering Bay Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33158
Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Chapman Field Park Trail is an appealing location for visitors looking to bring their pets along. The round trip distance is half a mile along a straightforward path.
The trail difficulty is low for those that might be worried if their pet can handle the walk. It starts from a parking lot near a canoe launch and ends at the park’s dog park.
Inside the dog park there are two fenced spaces, one for pets exceeding 35 pounds and the other for pets that weigh less. Visitors have ample space to run and play with their pets while also enjoying the scenery of the surrounding mangrove forests.
Miami Marine Stadium Basin Trail
3505 Rickenbacker Cswy
Miami, FL 33149
Nov. – March, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
April – Oct., 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Running acrtoss Virginia Key is the Miami Marine Stadium Basin Trail. It is a mile and a half round trip and great for those who want a middle-distance running workout. The trail provides a forgiving surface, a mixture of gravel and rubberized material. It also has a scenic view of Miami’s coastline and access to a large body of water for canoe launches.
