Hi,

I just wanted to introduce myself, and compliment this site on its many informative articles, hiking information, and overall design.

This is by far one of the best "general" hiking sites I have been to (since I started researching the subject).

My name is Chris, I am a 26 y/o male, in my senior year at FIU, whom of which most recently worked in (the very stressful and demanding) property management industry as a property manager.

Over the past few years I have taken up recreational hobbies such as kayaking and snorkeling. Unfortunately, both of these take some time and planning (visit to the park, kayak rental, partner, etc.) and in "todays" busy society, one does not have too much time for themselves (which is quite unfortunate). So with that being said, I am (either going to organize or) looking for local kayak/snorkel/hiking clubs. Where people gather and go out on "events".

Anyway, one thing I have come to appreciate, is our surroundings. I think hiking is a beautiful way to "explore"; not only is it beneficial for our trails and community, but also a method of exercise.

I live in South Florida (Cooper City), and am surrounded by many state and county parks. However, the only only Hikes listed (on this site) were at the Hugh Taylor Birch state park. Does anyone know of any other "good" hikes that are in this vicinity?

Despite the fact that I am a beginner, I can definitely walk 2-3 miles, and would like to see some wildlife, if possible.

Thanks again.
Chris

Hi, Chris, thanks for the compliments and for joining the community! You have several Florida Trail chapters nearby that do group hikes in your area.

I've been errant in getting more South Florida hikes listed on this site, of course there are many, many more. Stop by a bookstore and thumb through my Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State for an overview of dozens of hikes under 5 miles in your region (South Atlantic chapter). I'll see if I can get some of them posted over the holidays. I'm sure you know that Tree Tops Park has about 3 miles of trails ... Chapel Trail Nature Preserve off Sheridan has an excellent boardwalk with lots of birds ... Secret Woods Nature Center off 84 in Dania is good for wildlife, as is Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek. Enjoy the outdoors!

Thank you Sandra.
I checked out your link with regard to the several Florida Trail Chapters, and have bookmarked the "Happy Hoofers" (since they seem to be based out of Broward), and the "Big Cypress"..since they seem to be based out of Miami-Dade.
Treetops park is (literally) walking distance from my house. A few weeks ago I went their with my girlfriend and had a wonderful time walking around taking photos of the trees, beautiful landscapes, etc. The only problem with that particular park is i found the trails to be quite small and "intertwined"...

- I will definitely continue to do research and go on some other trails at other parks, especially the ones you mentioned that are in the area.
Thanks again.
Chris

Of the hikes mentioned, I prefer Fern Forest with 2-3 miles of trails over a variety of habitats including a wetland boardwalk.

But if you want more expansive hiking I would suggest getting out of the urban area into the everglades.Everglades NP,Big Cypress Natl Preserve or Fakathatchee State Preserve ,for instance,all have great hiking as well as wildlife viewing opportunities.

Closer to home levee access for hiking in the vast Everglades WMA can be found at Everglades Holiday park on Griffin west of 27,at Markham Park or at the airboat place(forget the name) on 27 a few miles north of 75.

Also Loxahatchee NWR in Southern PB County is nice ,I would start at the loops around the impoundments near the Boynton Beach entrance.There is also a short cypress swamp boardwalk in that same area and levees on along the everglades for more extensive hiking.Further north in PB County are many more natural lands for hiking collectively known as the northeast everglades natural areas.

Post edited by: rwtb, at: 2007/12/21 11:41

HEy Chris,I am new to Florida Hikes and I too am from Broward County. Pembroke Pines to be exact. I have heard there there is good kayaking in the keys. I have a lake near me so I try and do it when I can. My wife also attended FIU years ago. Well hope we can chat abit when you get the chance.

Juan...