Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Limestone ridge adjoined by path with people walking

The Underline

In the heart of downtown Miami, hike or bike an urban pathway regreened with micro forests, passing art installations and inviting public spaces along the way.

Miami (25.768361, -80.195583)   3.6 miles  

A huge project from the start, The Underline is boldly accomplishing the task of bringing an attractive ten mile linear park to the second most populated city in Florida.

When finished, the park will run from The Miami River to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station, providing a multitude of opportunities for urban outdoor recreation.

One of the most impressive aspects is the attention to detail regarding local habitats and geology.

Large Black arm and hand with peace symbol adjoining the words The Underline on a post holding up the elevated train Art is also a key part of The Underline

Hundreds of thousands of native plants have been planted, many within aesthetically pleasing miniature habitats.

As of November 2025, 3.6 miles of the trail have been completed, from the northern terminus to the Coconut Grove Station.

The entire length of the Underline is expected to be wrapped up and opened to the public in 2026.

Natural limestone outcrop in cityscape with native plants and trail beside it Micro forest

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 Paddlers Guide Florida
 
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Overview

Location: Miami
Length: 3.6 miles
Trailhead: 25.768361, -80.195583
Address: SW 1st Ct, Miami
Fees: Parking fee
Restrooms: Downtown area
Land manager: Miami-Dade County
Phone: 305-603-9895

Open 24 hours, leashed dogs allowed.

Directions


 
To reach the northern terminus from Interstate 95 and US 41, head south on SW 4th Ave for less than a tenth of a mile before turning left onto SW 8th St. In 0.3 mile, turn left onto SW 1st Ct. Continue for a tenth of a mile to a handful of roadside parking spots next to the Miami River. Parking is very limited and might necessitate the use of a nearby parking garage.

Hike

The northern terminus of the Underline stands alongside a seawall on the bank of the Miami River, surrounded by a jungle of high-rise buildings.

Look across the river, then turn to the south, and the juxtaposition of a bustling metropolis and this sliver of green space becomes immediately apparent.

River between city buildings Miami River

A charming monument to peace greets visitors at the beginning of the trail, where a concrete sidewalk winds southward between tall pillars supporting the Metrorail.

Approaching a road crossing, the first of many short side paths provides an alternative route for pedestrians along a dirt surface bordered with native plants.

Natural surface walkway amid plants in urban setting Side path

Stay to the right after crossing the westbound lane of the Tamiami Trail, joining a shared use path as it passes an outdoor gym with a basketball court and soccer nets.

The Metrorail pillars are used for signage throughout the park, stenciled with interesting facts, mile markers, and directions.

The story of the Tamiami Trail stenciled on a concrete pillar Interpretive signage

Street art is presented as the trail approaches 11th Ave, where footpaths weave through a collection of colorful arches and statues.

Set amongst verdant clusters of ferns and monstera, several benches offer a spot to rest in this shaded alcove.

Colorful alcove with art and plants in shade Art installations

Part of the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, a natural limestone outcrop lines the paved pathway as it continues southward.

Stairs carefully placed across these geologic formations allow passage to sandy nooks with seats composed of fossilized coral.

Imaginative murals on buildings near the trail add an atmosphere of style and community.

Square boulders of limestone Limestone benches

Crossing over SW 15th Rd, the trail passes the family-friendly Hammock Playground, situated alongside Simpson Rockland Hammock Preserve Park.

South of the playground, the paved multiuse path snakes alongside and under the Metrorail for another 2.5 miles.

It is lined with attractive plantings of native plant communities and butterfly gardens.

Flowering plants atop limestone outcrop Butterfly gardens

Trail Map

The Underline Trail Map

Explore More!

Video

Hiking the The Underline

Nearby Adventures

Limestone ridge topped with pines next to trail Rockdale Pineland Preserve An island of conservation land among residential neighborhoods showcases a rare habitat and the endangered species that rely on this natural community to thrive.
Rocky walkway in tropical forest Simpson Rockland Hammock Preserve A stone's throw from downtown, this old-growth rockland hammock is a tiny remnant of a vast tropical forest that once covered where Miami now stands.
Pine rocklands habitat with tall slash pines and saw palmetto Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park In this 270 acre park in metro Miami, explore a gentle loop on a partly-accessible path circling an expanse of one of Florida's rarest habitats: pine rocklands.
Paved path under strangler fig tree Greynolds Park Opened in 1936, one of the oldest parks in Miami-Dade County features a shaded paved loop under twisted oaks and strangler figs, passing picnic tables overlooking the Oleta River.

Official Website

Chris Stevens
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