Matheson Hammock Park Hammock Trail

The Hammock Trail at Matheson Hammock Park is a loop of about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through tropical hardwood hammock and along the mangrove edge, at 9610 Old Cutler Rd in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Florida. The park is about 20 minutes by car or rideshare from downtown Miami, with parking charged at about $7 USD on weekdays and $10 USD on weekends and holidays; current fees should be confirmed on the Miami-Dade County parks website. No permit is required for walking the trail. The route is essentially flat, with under 10 ft (3 m) of elevation change, and takes about 45-60 minutes, so it is classed as easy and suits first-time hikers and families. The surface is a mix of packed dirt, roots and limestone, with generous shade under the hardwood canopy and brighter, more open stretches near the mangroves. The hammock is one of the remnants of native forest that once covered the area, and walkers see gumbo limbo and other tropical trees, mangrove roots, and birds. Near the shoreline, the trail gives views toward Biscayne Bay and the park's man-made atoll pool and marina area. Turn-around points are easy to choose, since the loop returns toward the main park area and shorter segments can be walked on their own. Restrooms, a cafe and drinking water are available near the parking and marina, but not along the trail itself. Biting insects can be heavy, especially from May to October, so repellent and closed-toe shoes are advisable. The park phone number is 305-665-5475.