Best Hikes in Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park Overview

Located right next to Miami, more than 95% of Biscayne National Park is water and as such there are only a handful of ‘hiking’ trails that visitors can take. Most visitors spend their time here on boat tours, fishing, scuba diving or snorkeling, and paddling. There is a 6-mile long trail on Elliott Key called the ‘Spite Highway’ but the scenery remains the same throughout. The Jetty Trail below is the most scenic and a good way to spend 30 minutes to an hour while you are waiting for a boat tour to begin. If your are interested in adding any non-water activities to your trip, the best hikes in Biscayne National Park are described below.

StateFlorida
Nearest Metro AreaMiami, FL
Area Size172,971 acres
EstablishedJune 28, 1980
Hiking Trails8 miles

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Biscayne National Park

Jetty Trail
Florida Biscayne National Park Island of Mangroves, Photo by Yinan Chen

This is a short and easy walk along the mangrove-lined shore next to the Dante Fascell Visitor Center and leads to the Colonial Bird Protection Area. Half of the trail is on a boardwalk while the other half is a smooth sand/gravel surface. The trailhead can be accessed next to the Visitor Center about 30 miles south of Miami.

  • 0.8 miles out and back
  • No elevation gain
  • Easy
Spite Highway Trail
hikes in Biscayne National Park
Florida Biscayne National Park Island Arc, Photo by Yinan Chen

This trail runs approximately six miles down the center of the island. It affords a good opportunity to see a variety of habitats in the maritime forest.

  • 6.0 miles one-way
  • No elevation gain
  • Easy

Featured Image: Florida Biscayne National Park Lighthouse, Photo by Yinan Chen

Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials before you plan your next hiking or camping trip! We have recommendations on:
TENTS
HIKING BOOTS
AND MORE!