Explore the Great Outdoors in Fort Lauderdale's Backyard Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown area, but it's also a great base for exploring the surrounding natural areas.

Explore the Great Outdoors in Fort Lauderdale's Backyard

Fort Lauderdale is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant downtown area, but it's also a great base for exploring the surrounding natural areas. If you're looking to get off the beaten path and experience the great outdoors, consider hiking one of these five trails near Fort Lauderdale.

The Everglades Hiking Trails

The Everglades is a vast wetland that covers much of southern Florida, and it's home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The Gumbo Limbo Trail in the Everglades National Park is a 1.5-mile loop that takes you through a lush tropical forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands.

The Anhinga Trail, also located within the Everglades National Park, is a short but scenic hike that takes you through a mangrove forest and offers opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and even alligators. Be sure to bring plenty of insect repellent and stay on designated trails.

The Big Cypress Preserve Hiking Trails

Just north of Fort Lauderdale lies the Big Cypress National Preserve, a vast protected area that's home to cypress swamps, pine rocklands, and a wide range of wildlife. The Loop Road Trail is a 12-mile loop that takes you through some of the preserve's most scenic areas, including the cypress swamp and the pine rockland.

The Bear Island Trail is another option in the Big Cypress Preserve, offering stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as well as a map or GPS device to navigate the trail.

The Flamingo Trail

Located on the southern tip of Florida, the Flamingo Trail is a 36-mile loop that takes you through some of the most scenic areas of the Everglades. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and opportunities to spot birds, turtles, and even alligators.

Keep in mind that this trail can be quite challenging, especially during hot summer months or in the rainy season. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, as well as a map or GPS device to navigate the trail.

The Oleta River State Park Hiking Trails

Just north of Miami lies the Oleta River State Park, which offers several hiking trails that take you through a lush tropical forest and along the shores of Biscayne Bay. The main trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through some of the park's most scenic areas, including the mangrove forest and the pine rockland.

The park also offers several shorter trails, including the Oleta River Trail and the Turtle Nesting Area Trail. Be sure to bring plenty of insect repellent and stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife habitats.

The Bonaventure Lakes Community Hiking Trails

Located just north of Fort Lauderdale lies the Bonaventure Lakes Community, which offers several hiking trails that take you through a lush tropical forest and along the shores of the lake. The main trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through some of the community's most scenic areas, including the mangrove forest and the pine rockland.

Keep in mind that these trails can be quite narrow and winding, so be sure to bring a map or GPS device to navigate the area.

Tips for Hiking in Florida

• Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots.
• Stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife habitats.
• Bring insect repellent and stay safe from biting insects.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for sudden rain showers.

Practical Info

• Everglades National Park: 9am-5pm daily, $30 per vehicle
• Big Cypress National Preserve: 9am-5pm daily, free admission
• Flamingo Trail: No fee, but access restricted during rainy season
• Oleta River State Park: 8am-6pm daily, $6 per vehicle
• Bonaventure Lakes Community Hiking Trails: Free admission, but please note that some trails may be closed due to maintenance or other factors.