By Kendall Lambert
Finding the best bike trails in Miami along with others for hiking and for walking, can be challenging, but definitely do-able. Here are seven trails that offer scenic views and natural beauty. And for those who prefer their nature on the water, stay tuned at the end for the best boat rentals in the area.
Located just outside of Miami in Hialeah, this 515-acre park has multiple lakes, open green spaces and offers over eight miles of bike trails to its visitors. Amelia Earhart Park has both track and paved road trails at three different levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced – tailored to the needs of any and all bikers. The park also offers mountain bike rentals on the weekends for those who wish to try their hand on the more adventurous trails. Parking is free on weekdays and $7.00 on the weekends.
401 E 65th St, Hialeah, FL 33013
(T) (305) 685-8389
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
This relaxing beach trail is located at the southern tip of Key Biscayne, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Miami. The park is home to the oldest structure in Miami-Dade Country – the Cape Florida Lighthouse, originally constructed in 1825. Bill Baggs contains a 1.5-mile paved path for walking and biking along the water, as well as unpaved service roads. Bike rental is available, and parking and admission fees vary depending on vehicle size and number of passengers.
- 1200 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
- (T) 305- 361-5811
Located in Virginia Key North Port Park, just 15-minutes away from downtown Miami, this cluster of trails contains both walking and mountain biking trails. The Mabel Fentress Miller Walking Trail, named after the original preservationists of Virginia Key, is a continuous loop surrounding the Park. The mountain bike trail is a 4-mile loop containing red, blue, and green trails, pertaining to the level of mountain biker. The trail itself was built by volunteers from the Virginia Key Bike Club, and is surrounded by greenery and water views. Mountain bikes are available for rental and parking fees come to $6.00 on weekdays and $8.00 on weekends.
Not far from Bill Baggs Cape Florida is Crandon Park. This outdoor center is also located on Key Biscayne, offering both biking and walking trails that pair alongside views of the Atlantic Ocean and plenty of preserved greenery. The three trails at Crandon Park intersect with one another, via the Bear Cut Preserve, which intersects with the 1.3-mile Fossil Reef Bike Trail and the 1.3-mile Osprey Beach Trail. Weekday parking will cost $5.00 with prices being increased to $7.00 on weekends.
6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne , FL 33149
(T): 3053615421
More Bike Trails in Miami, and Others for Hiking and Walking
Located just north of R. Hardy County Preserve, this park offers picturesque nature scenes including outcroppings of limestone, caves, and plenty of leafy foliage. Matheson Hammock Trail is a 1.4-mile-long hiking trail in the shape of a loop, allowing hikers to traverse various terrain throughout the nature habitat. The trail cuts through the last remaining piece of the natural hammock that used to spread across the entire county of Coral Gables. Like Crandon Park, parking fees are $5.00 on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends.
- 9610 Old Cutler Rd, Miami, FL 33156
- T. (305) 665-5475
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Florida Everglades. This National Park is 1.5 million acres and spans across the mid to southern region of Florida, but the Shark Valley visitor center is closest to downtown Miami, with the drive being just over an hour. The main trail at Shark Valley, Tram Road, is a paved path over 15 miles long. Visitors can run, walk, or bike along this road, however, Shark Valley includes two other trails, Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cave Hammock Trail, both of which branch off from the main Tram Road trail. These two trails are best for walking or running, while bikers might find it best to stick to the paved road. Parking fees come in at $30.00 per car or $25.00 per motorcycle.
36000 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194
(T). (305) 242-7700
Located in Oleta River State Park by North Miami Beach, this space is considered to be Florida’s largest urban park, spanning over 1,000 acres. The outdoor center contains multiple trails for biking, hiking and walking. With 15 miles of bike trails, visitors can choose from one-way track trails, two-way track trails and paved trails as well as a selection of trails for mountain biking, ranging from beginner to advanced, some containing ramps and hills for jumps. Mountain bike rentals are also available at the outdoor center, with specific rentals available for all levels of rider. For those who enjoy hiking, walking or running, Oleta River has three miles of paved and dirt trails. Walk along the water or traverse through trees and greenery native to South Florida. The park sits on Biscayne Bay, just across the water from Haulover park, another fine destination for scenic walks and bike rides. Parking fees range from $4.00 – $8.00 depending on the number of passengers in the vehicle. The admission fee for pedestrians and bicyclists is $2.00.
3400 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
(T): 305-919-1846.
Prefer your nature on the water? Check out the best boat rentals and watersports offerings in the area.Click here.
