A flat, open trail through South Florida wetlands built for cyclists, birders, and anyone who wants miles of quiet.
Southern Glades Trail runs about 14 miles one way through the wetlands just south of Florida City, putting you deep into the kind of wide-open South Florida landscape you don't find anywhere else. The trail follows a levee road through the buffer zone between Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park. Flat, exposed, and quiet. Bring sunscreen.
Cyclists get the most out of this one. The packed gravel surface handles mountain bikes and gravel bikes equally well, and the out-and-back to Manatee Bay clocks in around 28 to 30 miles round trip. That's a solid half-day ride with no real elevation to worry about. Birding is genuinely excellent out here. Wading birds, raptors, and waterbirds show up in numbers that'll have you stopping every quarter mile if you're not careful.
The trailhead sits right off SW 344th Street in Florida City, about 10 minutes from the main entrance to Everglades National Park. It's free to use, parking is on-site, and there are no services on the trail itself. Pack water, pack snacks, and plan accordingly. Early morning is the move, especially in summer when the heat and bugs get serious by mid-morning.
This isn't a destination with a big payoff at the end. It's about the miles in between: the stillness, the birds, the flat horizon stretching out in every direction. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, you'll leave happy.
13 reviews
a year ago
Wonderful place to ride bike. We have MTN bikes but saw a fairly older man kicking enjoying a fast ride on a nice gravel bike. This is a beautiful trail and flat. If you zoom in on Google maps you will see the trail. We rode all of the way to Manatee Bay under and past highway 1 and back for 29.55 miles. There are more trails to explore so we may go back again.
4 months ago
This is a nice trail with decent scenery but the views are quite repetitive. It's about 14.2 miles in one direction with mostly flat but bumpy terrain. There are lots of birds of different species but not much other wildlife. The climax of the trail which is Manatee Bay is quite underwhelming. While the water is pretty clear there are hundreds of pieces of trash and bottles everywhere probably as a result of it being a popular fishing spot. After sunset it's bugs galore!
a year ago
Southern Glades Trailhead ā Miami, FL If you're looking for a peaceful outdoor escape in Miami with great fishing opportunities, Southern Glades Trailhead is a hidden gem. This scenic trail offers a relaxing experience for nature lovers, bikers, and anglers alike. The area is known for its abundance of peacock bass, making it a top spot for freshwater fishing. With its open landscapes, wildlife sightings, and quiet atmosphere, it's perfect for a laid-back day outdoors. Whether you're hiking, biking, or casting a line, Southern Glades delivers a rewarding experience every time. š¢ Great for: Fishing, walking, biking, wildlife viewing š£ Fishing highlight: Frequent catches of peacock bass š Location: South Miami-Dade County, near the edge of the Everglades š Trail difficulty: Easy to Moderate
6 months ago
We did it at night, so for me it was hard
8 months ago
Just a trail road....
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