A tiny slice of native pine rocklands survives in a corner of A.D. Barnes Park, a Miami city park, where paved nature trails provide access for all into a glimpse of what landscaped yards would look like if left to nature’s way.
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Overview
Location: Miami
Length: 0.6 miles
Trailhead: 25.738433, -80.308917
Type: paved interconnecting trails
Fees / Permits: free
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: At the Leisure Center
The Leisure Center entrance to the trail system must be used when the Nature Center is closed. The Sense of Wonder Nature Center is open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat-Sun 10-6.
Directions
From SR 976, follow Bird Rd (SW 40th St) east 0.5 mile to SW 72nd Ave. Turn left. The park entrance is immediately on the right.
Inside the park, turn left; follow the park road around to the Leisure Center; enter the trail system on a walkway through the beautiful tiled mural.
Hike
Amid the pine flatwoods, the Sense of Wonder Nature Center is a gateway to this urban trail system.
Along the paths you’ll find an observation deck set under the forest canopy, where strangler figs and oaks compete for light.
Other highlights include man-made waterfalls over native oolite boulders and a butterfly garden.
Official Website