On the shores of Biscayne Bay at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne, Bear Cut Nature Preserve is a precious sliver of natural bayfront in Miami.
The preserve provides hiking along the waterfront and in the shade of tropical trees on a trail system of footpaths that intertwine with paved trails.
Together, these end up at an overlook of a fossil reef with a backdrop of downtown Miami.
The trails radiate from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Nature Center, a must-stop before you explore the surrounding habitats.
Courtyard at the nature centerResources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
Location: Key Biscayne
Length: 2.2 miles in three loops plus a 1.3-mile linear paved trail
Trailhead: 25.715894, -80.150372
Address: 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne
Fees: $5 weekdays, $7 weekends
Restroom: At the nature center
Land manager: Miami-Dade County
Phone: 305-365-2320
Open sunrise to sunset.
Directions
From the intersection of US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and US 1 (Brickell Ave) in Miami, drive south on US 1 for 1.5 miles. Turn left onto the Rickenbacker Causeway, the toll road to Key Biscayne. Once you’ve paid the toll, continue another 4 miles into Crandon Park. The preserve is at the north end of the North Entrance beach parking area on the left.
Hike
Start out behind the nature center with a walk down the 1.3-mile Osprey Beach Trail, a broad mowed path along the coastal dunes with several beach crossovers.
Where it meets the paved path, continue straight ahead to a boardwalk that leads out to a scenic view.
Natural oceanfront at Bear Cut PreserveRetrace your path or use the paved path (left fork) to return to the nature center, where two more trails begin.
Both the 0.3-mile Bear Cut Nature Trail and 0.3-mile Tequesta Hammock Trail create short rugged loops through the tropical hardwood hammock.
Morning glories in bloomEnjoy the constant sound of the waves lapping the sand from the Osprey Beach Trail, where morning glories in ultraviolet hues drape over the vegetation.
At the end of the boardwalk you’ll see a 6,000-year-old fossilized mangrove forest reef—well worth the walk!
Fossil reef and Miami skylineTrail Map
Bear Cut Preserve Trail Map (from kiosk)Explore More!
Learn more about Crandon Park
Crandon Park
With two miles of oceanfront on Biscayne Bay, Crandon Park melds a classic Miami beach experience with an immersion in nature.
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Cape Florida State Park
A popular destination for sun worshipers, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park has a long strand of beachfront complimenting trails along Biscayne Bay and a historic lighthouse at the point.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The grandiose home of industrialist James Deering may be the star attraction, but the gardens of Vizcaya, set along Biscayne Bay, rival those of any formal estate.
Matheson Hammock Park
A tropical retreat along the coast of Coral Gables, Matheson Hammock Park has two distinct sides: a wild slice of the ancient Miami Hammock and a waterfront with a man-made atoll on Biscayne Bay.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Established in 1938 as one of the world’s largest collections of tropical plants, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is an integral part of the history of Florida botany and of Coral Gables.