11 Perfect Fall Hikes You Must Do In South Florida
If you need an escape from the city this fall, you should explore the nature trails in South Florida. These hiking trails are overflowing with diverse plants and wildlife, creating a beautifully scenic pathway for hikers.
Step onto a trail this fall and immerse yourself in nature. Here are 11 cute fall hike ideas for South Floridians!
Audobon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Boardwalk
Price: Adults $14, college students $6
Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd., Naples
Why You Need To Go: This zig-zagging boardwalk leads through the wilderness into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. You can spot rare ghost orchids now blooming on the trail.
Leslie M. Duncan Memorial Trail
Price: Free
Hours: Sunup to sundown
Address: 12085 SR 29 S., in Immokalee
Why You Need To Go: This loop located at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is an easy hike at less than a half-mile. You'll see wildflowers, deer, bears, red-shoulder hawks, and occasionally even panthers.
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
Price: Free
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 27020 Tamiami Trail E., Naples
Why You Need To Go: This 1.2-mile boardwalk at Fakahatchee Preserve State Park winds through beautiful ancient cypress trees. This lush environment is bursting with wildlife. You may spot turtles or otters if you look close enough.
Otter Cave Hammock Trail
Price: $25 per vehicle, $8 per pedestrian
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Miccosukee Reservation near Shark Valley
Why You Need To Go: This hidden one-mile trail near Shark Valley is short and sweet. The limestone on the ground is riddled with mysterious-looking holes from erosion. The trail is full of tropical plants and wildlife, and you may even spot an otter if the timing is right.
Tree Snail Hammock Trail
Price: Free
Hours: Not listed
Address: Across from the Everglades Environmental Center
Why You Need To Go: The trees on this short trail are decorated with rare and tiny liguus tree snails. These endangered snails stick to trees such as Spanish stoppers and Jamaican dogwoods.
Tree Tops Park Loop
Price: $1.50 per person, $8 per car, whichever is less
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Address: 3900 SW. 100th Ave., Davie
Why You Need To Go: This 1.2-mile trail includes a paved path and boardwalk. You'll see giant oak trees draped in moss, red blooms of fire bush, and floating swamp lilies. This trail is pet-friendly, so bring your dog on the hike!
Anhinga Trail
Price: $25 per vehicle, $8 per pedestrian
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Near the Everglades National Park Visitor Center in Homestead
Why You Need To Go: This short trail is populated with gators and tropical birds. Beautiful water lilies decorate the water surrounding the trail, and, because it's open 24 hours, you can watch the sunset.
Castellow Hammock Preserve Trail
Price: Free
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 22301 SW. 162nd Ave., Miami
Why You Need To Go: This trail leads hikers into a remnant of an old tropical forest. West Indian mahogany, paradise trees, and Jamaican dogwood are just a few of the diverse trees that make up the dense canopy. You'll see hanging fruits and tiny mushrooms on this trail.
Wetlands Wander & Prairie Overlook
Price: Free
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: 201 S. Lyons Rd. at the Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek
Why You Need To Go: This pretty hike passes by a butterfly garden. When you reach the prairie's edge, stop and look around; this spot has the greatest population of gopher tortoises in Broward County.
Grove Trail
Price: $4.50 individual, $9-12 per vehicle
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset daily
Address: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo
Why You Need To Go: This tropical trail is tucked away in the Florida Keys. The keys used to be filled with groves and orchards to grow key limes and oranges, and this lush trail leads through an old grove.
Pinelands Trail
Price: $25 per vehicle, $8 per pedestrian
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Everglades National Park near Homestead
Why You Need To Go: This loop leads through pine rocklands, a quickly disappearing habitat. You'll see beautiful, weathered limestone. Watch out for poisonwood off the path, it is 10 times stronger than poison ivy.
Grab your water bottle and binoculars and hit these South Florida trails this fall.
You can get more hiking inspo from these articles on 8 beginner hikes in Florida and a jungle-like boardwalk trail in Central Florida.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
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