The best walks and hikes around Kendall

Our guide features 5 detailed hiking routes around Kendall, ranging from moderate to difficult. These include trails like the Racehorse Falls Loop and the more challenging Lost Lake – Bernard Swinehart Safe loop. Beyond these, the Kendall area offers numerous other opportunities for outdoor exploration, from urban parks to natural reserves.

While the routes in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, Kendall and its surroundings offer several easy, family-friendly options. For instance, the Zoo Miami Loop is a popular 3.1-mile path, and the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden Loop provides a gentle 2.5-mile stroll through diverse plant collections. Kendall Indian Hammocks Park also features nature trails suitable for families, offering a true oasis in an urban setting.

Hiking near Kendall offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. You'll encounter lush greenery, local lakes, and unique ecosystems like hardwood hammocks with dense canopies of trees such as wild coffee and mastic. Some areas feature oolitic limestone formations, adding a distinct geological element. Wetlands and wooded sections provide peaceful escapes and opportunities for wildlife viewing, while trails like the Racehorse Falls Loop offer scenic water features.

Yes, several circular walks are available. Our guide includes the Racehorse Falls Loop, a moderate 9.3 km route. Another option is the Maple Creek Loop Trail, which is 5.8 km long and also rated moderate. For a longer challenge, consider the Bernard Swinehart Safe loop, a 6.4 km moderate loop.

For those seeking a challenge, the Kendall area has options. The Sumas Mountain via Gold Mine Trail is rated difficult, covering 5.5 km with a significant elevation gain of over 900 meters. Another demanding route is the Lost Lake – Bernard Swinehart Safe loop, a difficult 13.3 km trail with over 1000 meters of ascent.

Yes, the Racehorse Falls Loop is a notable trail in our guide that features waterfalls. This moderate 9.3 km route offers scenic views and the opportunity to experience these natural water features.

Beyond the trails themselves, Kendall offers several points of interest. Kendall Indian Hammocks Park is a significant natural escape with pine rocklands and tropical hardwood hammocks. The Old Cutler Trail, though not in this guide, is shaded by banyan trees and passes historic mansions. For a broader experience, Kendall is an excellent base for exploring Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park, both offering unique natural attractions and wildlife.

Kendall's generally flat terrain makes it accessible year-round. However, the cooler, drier months from late fall to early spring (roughly November to April) are often preferred for hiking due to more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Summers can be hot and humid, with a higher chance of afternoon thunderstorms, which might make longer hikes less enjoyable.

While specific public transport links to the trails in this guide are not detailed, Kendall has a public transportation system. Many of the larger parks and trailheads within the urban area, such as Kendall Indian Hammocks Park or the starting points for the Old Cutler Trail and South Dade Trail, are generally more accessible via local bus routes. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for specific connections to your chosen trailhead.

Parking availability varies by trailhead. For popular parks like Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, Zoo Miami, or Matheson Hammock Park, designated parking lots are typically available, though they may have fees or limited capacity during peak times. For trails that traverse urban or suburban areas, street parking might be an option, but it's always best to check local regulations and signage before parking.

Given Kendall's subtropical climate, 'winter hiking' here means enjoying cooler, drier weather rather than snow or ice. The trails are generally accessible throughout the winter months (December to February) and often provide the most pleasant hiking conditions of the year. All trails in this guide, including the Racehorse Falls Loop and Sumas Mountain via Gold Mine Trail, are suitable for winter exploration.