3 minute read
Biscayne National Park
Preserving its namesake bay — one of the top scuba diving areas in the country — Biscayne Bay National Park is located 20 miles south of Miami. About 95% water and fringed by shoreline mangrove forests, Biscayne also contains part of the world’s third-longest living coral reef, along with the northernmost Florida Keys.
With reefs and islands accessible only by boat, the 270-squaremile preserve is the largest marine sanctuary in the National Park Service. Find 10,000 years of human history here as well, involving everything from prehistoric tribes to shipwrecks, pineapple farmers and U.S. presidents.
The Flora And Fauna
Protecting four distinct ecosystems, Biscayne Bay National Park harbors a staggering diversity of life, including over 600 native fish, neo-tropical water birds, and threatened and endangered species like manatees, sea turtles and the Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly.
Underwater, seagrasses sway with the currents. Along the land lies one of the longest, continuous stretches of mangroves on Florida’s east coast, giving way to rare and endangered plants like the Florida semaphore cactus and buccaneer palm, the rarest palm native to Florida.
The Weather
Featuring a subtropical climate, the park is bathed in year-round sunshine. Winters are generally dry and mild, though occasional fronts do bring wind and light rain. Summers, by contrast, are hot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms are par for the course.
Offering warm weather throughout the year, January (the driest month) sees average highs of 77 F, while August soars to around 90 F. Note that hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.
Don’t forget to keep watch of weather conditions before arriving at the park.
The Strolls And Sailings
While they’re not exactly “hiking” trails, five walking paths do exist in Biscayne National Park. Remember to wear bug spray since mosquitoes are out in full force.
Jetty Trail
Starting at the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, the .25-mile, out-and-back
Jetty Trail at Convoy Point is a short, easy walk along the park’s mangrovelined shore to the Colonial Bird Protection Area at the end of a jetty.
Adams Key Loop Trail
The .5-mile Adams Key Loop Trail takes you through a wooded area on Adams Key.
Elliott Key Loop Trail
Cutting across Elliott Key on the bay side to the Atlantic Ocean, the 1.1mile Elliott Key Loop Trail is rough at
Spite Highway Trail
The only true hiking trail in Biscayne Bay, the 7-mile, out-and-back Spite Highway Trail skirts, in part, the Atlantic Ocean and travels through tunnel-like hardwood forest.
Boca Chita Key Loop Trail
On its namesake island and reached by boat, the .4-mile, out-and-back Boca Chita Key Loop Trail on Boca Chita Island starts east of the restrooms, continuing to the south end of the island and emerging near the pavilion. If it’s open, be sure to climb the stairs of the historic lighthouse — its observation deck offering fantastic views of the ocean, islands, bay and Miami skyline. If you’re lucky, you may even spot sharks or ’rays from above.
Biscayne Bay National Park Institute Cruise
Operated by the Biscayne Bay National Park Institute, cruises are one of the best ways to fully experience that water-filled landscape. Departing from Homestead, Coconut Grove or the Deering Estate, the guided journeys cover themes that include the park’s heritage. Others feature active elements, like snorkeling, paddling, camping or hiking.
About The Park
Location - Northern Florida Keys
Established - June 28, 1980
Area - 172,971 acres times but offers water views along boardwalks and sandy stretches.
