H: Biscayne
H: Biscayne
Revolving around the clear waters of Biscayne Bay, this region features lighthouses, museums, islands, palm-lined beaches, balmy winter weather and international cultures. A popular destination is the mangrove-lined Oleta River in north Miami.
16: Biscayne Bay
Starting at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, you'll begin paddling one of the most pristine areas in coastal South Florida. Mangrove lined shorelines, shallow patch reefs and colorful fish will be your companions for many miles as you explore Pennekamp, Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park, the largest marine park in the U.S. national park system.
Heading north along the shore you begin to take in the Miami skyline and several local parks offer easy access to shopping and restaurants.
From Teacher's Island in Miami, the bay gradually narrows as you head north until you'll see the huge area of mature mangrove forests, framed by large buildings. This is Oleta State Park, terminus for this segment of the trail. A primitive campsite for paddlers is a short ways up the Oleta River, on the north side. This campsite is currently being renovated, so a temporary paddler's campsite has been set up in the park.
72.5 miles of circumnavigational trail
Florida Cities: Miami, Homestead, Coral Gables
Contact: Contact our Region H Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps
Environmental Considerations
Heavy winds and storms may prove challenging in open water areas
Weekend boat traffic can be heavy, especially in the more narrow northern section of the bay
"Government Cut" in Miami is famous for challenging water conditions - be prepared
A GPS is a must to safely follow the route and find campsites
Biting insects are prevalent throughout the year
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Monroe County Sheriff: 305-289-2430
Miami-Dade Police: 305-4-POLICE
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
17: Hollywood / Fort Lauderdale
Even though this is a short urbanized segment along south Florida's Gold Coast, paddlers can enjoy several scenic state parks.
Starting north from Oleta River State Park, you'll have an opportunity to paddle either the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) or along Atlantic beaches. We recommend taking the Atlantic route only during good weather and light winds. Those trying the Atlantic will need to backtrack to Baker's Haulover Canal, then proceed north. The next opportunity to reenter the ICW is the busy entrance to Port Everglades.
For ICW paddlers, the first stop is Holland Park, seven miles north of Oleta. The park has picnic shelters and makes a fine lunch stop.
From Holland Park continue north to the Ann Kolb Nature Center (a must see!) and then on to the John U. Lloyd State Park. Bring a mask and snorkel as you'll find one of the easiest and most interesting shore dives in the area.
The final stop, and end of this segment is Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Take special care when proceeding past Port Everglades, where gargantuan cruise ships and other boats dock.
16 miles of circumnavigational trail
Florida Cities: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood
Contact: Contact our Region H Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.
Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps
Areas
Multiday Trail Maps
Environmental Considerations
Given the narrow Intracoastal Waterway, lengthy stretches of seawalls and heavy boat traffic, this is a challenging segment and recommended for paddlers who have expertise in paddling over large and high energy wakes.
Boat traffic is higher on weekends and holidays
No camping exists along this segment
Paddlers should take special precautions in passing large ships moving and docking at Port Everglades
During favorable weather paddlers may opt to paddle along the Atlantic, with rest stops at area beaches
Emergency Contacts
Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Miami-Dade Police: 305-4-POLICE
Broward County Sheriff: 954-831-8900, 954-765-4321
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922