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.
State | Florida |
Nearest Metro Area | Miami, FL |
Area Size | 172,971 acres |
Established | June 28, 1980 |
Hiking Trails | 8 miles |

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Biscayne National Park
Jetty Trail

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

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!