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Nickerbean pods

Bear Cut Preserve

Protecting natural habitats at the north end of Crandon Park, Bear Cut Preserve offers a different perspective on the shoreline of Key Biscayne, with footpaths and bike paths for exploration.

Crandon Park  |  Miami
( 25.715894, -80.150372 )      2.2 miles

412 shares

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 with tables in tropical setting Courtyard at the nature center


Resources

Resources for exploring the area

South Florida Explorers Guide book cover 50 Hikes in South Florida book cover Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.


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.

Mangrove at Bear Cut


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 Natural oceanfront at Bear Cut Preserve


Retrace 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 Morning glories in bloom


Enjoy 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 Fossil reef and Miami skyline


Trail Map

Trail map on kiosk Bear Cut Preserve Trail Map (from kiosk)


Explore More!

Learn more about Crandon Park

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

Cape Florida State Park

A popular destination for sun worshipers, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is an easy getaway for most folks in the Miami area, with a long strand of beachfront complimenting trails along Biscayne Bay and a historic lighthouse at the point.

Vizcaya

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.

Palms along an atoll

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 Gardens

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.

Official Website

Category: Beach Hikes, Biking, City Parks, Day Hikes, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, Southeast Florida, TrailsTag: Accessible, Best Bike Rides, Best Family Hikes, Birding, Biscayne Bay, Boardwalks, Botanical, Crandon Park, Family-Friendly, Key Biscayne, Mangroves, Miami, Observation Decks, Picnic, Playgrounds, Scenic Hikes, Tropical Forests, Wildflowers

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