North Miami Beach
North Miami
Hialeah
Miami Beach ´
Miami
M aa p 55 -- B South Miami Key Biscayne Coral Gables D A D E F ll o r ii d a C ii r c u m n a v ii g a tt ii o n a ll M aa p 55 -- A S a ll tt w a tt e r P a d d ll ii n g T r a ii ll al te M O N R O E rn at S e g m e n t 1 5 a n d 1 6 e S e g m e n t 1 5 a n d 1 6 ro u
M aa p 44 -- B te A ll tt e r n a tt e M a ii n ll a n d R o u tt e e t F l a m i n g o t o M i a m i u F l a m i n g o t o M i a m i o Homestead r M aa p 44 -- A i n a
m
po Drinking Water t[ Camping M aa p 33 -- B Kayak Launch Shower Facility
M aa p 33 -- A I* Restroom
te u I9 Restaurant
o e r t e u t at e ro Grocery Store a rn lte ²· al ter n a al rou t e te e e! Point of Interest Flamingo r n a t M aa p 22 -- B M aa p 22 -- A
M aa p 11 -- A M aa p 11 -- B m a in r ou t e
0 5 10 20 Miles Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps. Segment 15 and 16, 6Alter3nate Route: Flamingo to Miami Map 1 A
Mud Lake Garfield Bight
Alligator Creek
Gibby Point ´ Snake Bight Porpoise Point Flamingo Canal Roberts Prairie Rankin Bight
Shark Point Chickee Shark Point 3 Otter Key Flamingo B 3 Flamingo Christian Point Mosquito Point Flamingo Launch Umbrella Key Campground N: 25.1423 | W: 80.9232 A Joe Kemp Key
Bradley Key Rankin Key e 3 main out ro te r u rna alte 3 te 6 Buoy Key 6 6 6 Dump Keys Camp Key Dave Foy Bank Palm Key Cormorant Key Murray Key Frank Key
Oyster Keys 6 Conchie Basin 6 Curlew Key Catfish Key
A N: 25.1368 | W: -80.9380 t[ op I* Roscoe Key
12 6 B6 N: 25.1407 | W: -80.80246 6 t[ I*
0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles
6 66 Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and per6sons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps.
Garfield Bight Garfield Bight Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami Map 1 B Maderia Hammock McCormick Creek
6 Madeira Bay Santini Bight Terrapin Bay ´ Rankin Bight
Crocodile Point Terrapin Point Maderia Point Derelict Key Otter Key
Mosquito Point Big Key Umbrella Key Crocodile Dragover Black Betsy Keys
Rankin Key 6 3 3 Triplet Keys 6
Dump Keys 6 Samphire Keys 6
Club Key 6 Brush Keys End Key 6
Roscoe Key
Russell Key 6 Buttonwood Keys 6
3 6 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles 6
Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplem1e2nt these maps with NOAA charts or other maps. Trout Creek Map 2 A Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: FlamiDnavgis Core etko Miami 6 Shell Creek Trout Cove Davis Cove
Alligator Bay Shell Key Mud Creek Shell Creek opening Stump Pass N 25.20780 W-80.48710 East Creek ´ 3
Deer Key Fan Palm Hammock Duck Key
6 Eagle Key Pass 3
Eagle Key The Bogies entrance N 25.175688° | W -80.453860° 3 6 Tern Keys
Pass Key 3 Lake Key Pass A Nest Keys 3 Nest Key Campsite 6 Lake Key Porjoe Key
3 3
6 Whaleback Key Park Key
12 3 Buttonwood Sound A N: 25.1510 | W: -80.5136 t[ I* 3 Swash Keys 3 6 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles 6 12 3 Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigatBiobn Koenylsy. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement theSshee mll Kaepys with NOAA charts or other maps. 12 6 Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to M3 iami Map 2 B 6 3 A Pelican Cay Harbor 12 12
6 Long Sound 12 Channel Point mangrove opening 3 25.235978 | W -80.436184 12 12 Division Point 3 12 ´ 6
Little Blackwater Sound Cove Point 6 U Shell Creek S 1 Thursday Point 3 Thursday Cove Shell Key Largo Point Blackwater Pass 12 Shell Creek opening Mary, Point d N 25.210047 | W -80.486618 6 R d n 12 Jewfish Creek u 3 Cross Key o S e t 3 rd 6 a u C o r 3 12 n i a B Gilbert's Resort m 12 Duck Key 6 Garden Cove Campsite Snake Point D Garden Cove 3 12 Blackwater Sound Rattlesnake Key Sexton Cove John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park The Boggies entrance 6 Stellrecht Point North Sound Creek N 25.174200 | W -80.451642 Sound Point
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3 6 Boggy Key Bush Point Whitmore Bight 6 3 Adams Cut 1 S 30 N 25.13791 | W -80.40295 U N: 25.23631 | W: -80.43141 [ op 6 Dusenbury Creek Entrance A t I* N 25.131184 | W -80.4422454 12 Dusenbury Creek BWillieN, :P 2o5in.t18286 | W: -80.38947Key Lalrgo Beopacon Number 3318 ÆV Porjoe Key Little Buttonwood Sound 12 I* 6 3 6 Largo Sound Grouper Creek Entrance N: 25.12429 | W: -80.40687 t[ op 6 6 C I* 6 N 25.122880 | W -80.446297 3 3 12 30 Whaleback Key D N: 25.17305 | W: -80.36540 1t[2 I*18 Grouper Creek 6 C John Pennekamp 12 6 12 6 3 Tarpon Basin 0 1 12 2 4 Miles 12 3 18 30 12 State Park 12 Disclaimer: This guide is3 intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA 6charts or other m12a6ps. Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami Gold Key Map 3 A
C a r d S o 6 ´ u Pumpkin Key n d Card Point 6 R Card Sound d A 12
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6 6 6 3 Mud Point Little Card Sound Wednesday Point 12 Card Bank
5 0 9 U S R
1 C Little Card Point 6
ÆV 6 12 6 Cormorant Point 6 3 3 Jew Point mangrove opening N 25.290192 | W -80.379509 Barnes Point Barnes Point Middle Key Mosquito Creek Steamboat Creek
6 3 6 6
12 d R
Flat Point Short Key 6 d n u 6 o S 12 d 6 r 3 Manatee Bay a C A N: 25.3233 | W: -80.3426 t[ 3 6 6 Main Key 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles Barnes Sound 12 18 3 Bay Point Disclaimer: This guide is intended 6as an aid t6o navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps.
3 3 Map 3 B Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami Turkey Point
Grand Canal Little River
12 ´ Turtle Point 6 DO NOT APPROACH SHORELINE. 6 West Arsenicker Key 6 3 6 3 Arsenicker Key Rubicon Keys Turkey Point 3 6 12 Mangrove Key Nuclear Facility 18 12 Canal L 31 E Mangrove Point 6 6 6
Totten Key Midnight Pass Long Arsenicker Key East Arsenicker Key Jones 6 Lagoon 3 Little Totten Key Cutter Bank 6 Old Rhodes Key DO NOT 12 APPROACH SHORELINE. 6 Broad Key 18 12
186 6 C a Linderman Key 6 rd Gold Key 6 Palo Alto Key S 12 o 18 u 12 n d R 3 d 6 6 18 12 18 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles 12 6 6 Pumpkin Key Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS6) unit is required, and persons are encouraged 6to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps. 6 6 Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami Map 4 A
6 6
Black Point Park Black Point SW 248 ST/COCONUT PALM DR 6 South Allapattah 3 12 6
12 6 ´ 12 Featherbed Bank 12 Naranja 3 12
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3
18 Fender Point 6
3 6 6
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B BEis c Gayranned Vei sTiotourrss COeunttfeitrtersConvoy Point SW 328 ST/N CANAL DR A Homestead Bayfront Park 6 A N: 25.463301° | W: -80.334009° t[ op I* ÆV BA N 25.463366° W -80.334027° op I* Sponge Rocks 3 Pelican Bank 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles 3 Turkey Point Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps.
Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami Paradise Point Map 4 B
Rockdale O Cutler Channel ST/CORAL REEF L Deering Estate SW 152 D
C 6
U T Chicken Key Palmetto Bay S L 6 W E 160 ST R 12 SW 8
R 2
O S Y A
W A A 6 6 V
D Deering Point County Park W E 1 SW 168 ST 1 E 6
2 S K N:25.610956 | W:-80.306895 I ´ W A S B - W V
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0 1 U East Perrine 7
1 B S
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V 18 A
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2 E 6 2 West Perrine
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V 6 E T EUREKA DR/SW 184 S SW 184 ST 6 6 Black Ledge 12 R 6 D T F S R O A O N 3 R J IL O 3 A R U D Q M 6 Cutler Ridge A Saga Bay SW 200TH ST R L IN
R S 6 D W
8 T 7 S D A Y SW 21 1 R 2 ST V 3 W SW 21 R 6 H E E L IE T IX 6 ST U D SW 21 C 6 H D T L U O O SW 220 ST S SW 2 24 ST 12
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P N:25.538482 | W:-80.327508 4
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South Allapattah 12 3 6
6 Featherbed Bank 12 12 0 0.75 1.5 3 Miles 12
12 3 Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these 6maps with6 NOAA charts or other maps. 3 3 3 6 6 Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to MiamS i 12 Map 5 A S W
ER DR W Coral Gables ST/MILL SW 56 4 3
2 6
T 2 56 STREE A 6 SW
A S V Coconut Grove
4 W V E 7 S West Point 8 E 3 W - R 6 7
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S South Miami E D 6 6
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W T 9 S V SW 72
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T B U 80 ST W R T S
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NAPPER CREEK EXPWY H S E
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P W SW 88 ST Y TREET 12 SW 88TH S 3 6
S ENDALL S DR 3 6 N K W
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3 18 5 A A ST W 96 7 V S 18 V 6 94 ST SW E A 3 E Matheson Hammock / V Kendall L /
U R County Park
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A Matheson Hammock Park M 8 18 SW 104 ST D 7 Garden R STREET 104 A SW D 6 V 3 6 E 18 6 S R Hardy Matheson 3 W Pinecrest Y 112 ST SW 9 County Preserve W 7 H S
A 6 6 E W
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X E I 6 12 12 3 Hawley Heights D 2 STREET SW 120TH 6 H A 6 SW 120 ST T Suniland V U E 18 O HAPMAN FI 18 /C S S SW 124 ST W ST 3 SW 128 7 18 6 SW 128 ST 2 3
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W E 6 9 7 Howard 8 7 7 3
2 6 A A STREET A SW 136 V V 18 V 3 E E 6 E Chapman Field Park Shoal Point 3 Kings Bay ST/MITCHELL 18 12 SW 144 3 3 12 3 6 Paradise Point RIVE Rockdale CORAL REEF D 3 Deering Estate 3 3 Palmetto Golf Course 3 6 Palmetto Bay 6 N: 25.677105 | W: -80.259238 t[ op ÆV A I*6 3 12 12 3
Cutler 6 6 6 6 0 1 2 4 Miles 6 6 6 Disclaimer: This guide is intended as an aid to navigation only. A Gobal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or oth3er maps.
3 6 6 3 60 6 6 12 Segment 15 and 16, Alternate Route: Flamingo to Miami 12 12 12 18 Map 5 B 6 6 12 6 12 18 12 6 6 12 6 30
30 12 6 3 6 ´ 6 6 30 18 6 12 3 18 6 6 6 6 6 18 6 100 3 12 6 NW 46 ST 6 6 18 12 1230 30 1812 18 SR-112 JULIA TUTTLE CSWY 6 3 3 6 N 195 3 3 N 6 6
W §¨¦ NW 36 ST M
I I N W - 5 A 6 VIE DR 9 12 W
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A T N S W NWN / NE 29 A 3 V Sunset Islands 2 W 6 W Teacher's 18 V
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7 T 1 S 1 8 W W 2 A N E 60 6 0 2 A 6 V 6 Collins Park Island B 2 1 A V A 95 E
N ST 7 6 5 V A 2 E NW V §¨¦ 12 12 3 6 W 18 A E V E NE 20TH ST 6 6 V E 12 6 6 6 E 7 6 6 E 3 ST V T H 0TH S N 17T NW 21 ST NE/NW 2 A 6 6 30 6 A Miami Beach W Belle Isle 3 V 18 IAN WAY66 6 6 ET S E 12 S VEN 1 6 6 6 16 ST 30 6 N
4 6 12 3 6 6 6 6 I 12 NW 17 ST 3 3 3 6 L m A 6 6 6 12 A 3 L V 395 6 6 L 12 612 6 O a E TH ST T NW 14 §¨¦ 66 C 3 6 O 6 i Watson Island n 60 IN EXP N DOLPH RESSW 10 ST Bicentennial Park 6 6 3 AY NW 63 6 6 18 6 R 30 60 M 6 Lummus Park W 11 STREET 3 18 AC 3 6 3 6 3 D N 6 A 6 6 r 12 NW 6 ST ST 30 1230 RT 3 Miami River NE 5 3 HU 3 66 6 o T 3 30 18 R 66 NW 7 S Bayfront Park 3 CA u Lummus Park 63 US 3 6 5 ST
18 Port of Miami 30 EW 6 12 t 6 3 e AY 6 12 312 Dodge Island 183 6 3 6 S 3018 S 123
W Henderson Park 30 W 18 ST 12 3 12 186 6 6 S 12 GLER e 6 FLA / 12 4 W 3 N t 18 63 12 3 30 18 W 3 6 3 9 6 60 W
u 18
A 2 18 30 o E Brickell Point 18 V 2 6 T A 6 SW 7 S r V 12 30 18 2
E S 6 V A 18 18 Government Cut A 30 W 6 30 12 e E 3 18 ST L 18 AIL/SW 8 V 3 6 18 18 MI TR t 18 AMIA L 6 30 T 2 6 E a E 7 3 6 30 12 18 K 6 6 Fisher Island A n 3 3 18 C 12 18 V r I 6 3 18 ShenandoaS h E 6 12 18 12 E V 12 W e A 3 12 18 30 t 3 R 3 18 18 T E B 6 312 S 1 SW 16TH l W V 12 18 18 30 30 S a 2 S I A
W 12 12 Norris Cut N: 25.7432 | W: -80.1442 A op AM 6 6 Virginia Key A 12 12 V I 6 6 I* 12 12 3 M 3 12 ALH E 18 AM 2 S 3 B A R A CIR 2 ST 6 12 Beach Park V SW 2 3 3 N: 25.7983 | W: -80.1768 t[1818 E Vizcaya Park B 12 18 SW 24 ST Merrick Park RICKENBACKER 6 30 CS A Bay Heights W 12 0 1 2 30 4 Miles Wiscaya County Park Y 6 3
G Y 12 Virginia Key A 6 3 18 6 R W 3 E H 6 3 12 18 A Disclaimer: This guide is intended as aIXnI aid to navEigation only. A G12obal Positioning System (GPS) unit is required, and persons are encouraged to supplement these maps with NOAA charts or other maps. N D V 18 TH A 6 3 A OU IL D S A T A R W 40 ST E B D S G Kennedy Park 0 ST/BIRD ROA TI Bear Cut L SW 4 V D Coral Gables Northwest Point
Keys Alternate Mainland Route Segments 15-16 Flamingo to Miami
Emergency Contact Information:
Dial 911 for any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or an ambulance
Everglades National Park 24-hour search and rescue: 305-247-7272
Collier County Sheriff’s Office: 239-774-4434
Monroe County Sheriff's Office: 305-289-2430
Dade County Sheriff’s Office: (706) 657-3233
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 24-hour wildlife emergency/boating under the influence hotline: 1-888-404-3922
Begin: Flamingo, Everglades National Park End: Teachers’ Island, Miami Estimated Mileage: 75-85 miles depending on route options Special Considerations: The alternate Florida Keys route stays close to the mainland, creating a more sheltered passage when weather conditions are challenging. The original route that borders the Atlantic side of the Keys is more exposed and has long stretches of open water between stops. Most through paddlers time their long trek around the state to be in the Keys and Everglades during the winter months when bugs are fewer. However, winter in the Keys may bring high winds and many days come with small craft advisories. Be aware that temperatures can also get surprisingly cold in the evenings, even into the 40’s on rare occasions. Make sure to check the weather forecast frequently and pay attention to tides which make some areas challenging at low water; follow the depths outlined on your navigational charts. Even though the alternate route is more sheltered, you’ll still be entering some long stretches of open water and you must be vigilant. Avoid getting too close to fishing boats poling in the shallows as anglers are often sight-fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon on these flats. You will have a choice of several routes from North Nest Key to Miami depending on wind and weather conditions, a need for resupply, etc. It is also possible to join the original Circumnavigational Trail (CT) route on the Atlantic side of the Keys at several points if conditions are favorable.
Fees and Permits in Everglades National Park: Reservations are not accepted for any backcountry site in the Everglades National Park. A backcountry permit is required for camping on Shark Point Chickee and North Nest Key. During the winter season (mid- November through mid- April) backcountry permits must be obtained in person at the Flamingo Visitor Center or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center between the hours of 8 am - 4:30 pm. The soonest you may obtain a permit is 24 hours before your departure and a fee of $10 per permit and $2 per/person per day will be charged. During the summer season permits are free but are still required (mid- April through mid- November), not a favorable time to paddle in the Everglades due to intense heat, insects, and frequent storms. Permits are available 24/7 by following self-registration instructions at either visitor center. Permits are not issued over the telephone except for visitors coming in from the Keys to camp at North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Shark Point Chickee, Johnson Key Chickee and Cape Sable. Please call 239-695-2945.
1. Flamingo to Shark Key, 9 miles The U.S. National Park Service, Everglades National Park manages a campground at Flamingo and a small store, your last chance to buy supplies for several days depending on which route you select to get to Miami. The campground is about a mile before the marina and accessible by water at high tide. At low tide, you might have to wade through mud. During the busy winter season Flamingo Campground reservations can either be made online or call 1-877-444-6777 after November 20th. Reservations are not required in the summer.
The Shark Point Chickee is a favorite roosting spot for birds and is usually coated in thick droppings. Bring a tarp or plastic sheet to keep your tent and gear clean. There is a portable restroom on the platform.
2. Shark Key to Nest Key, 20 miles From Shark Key paddle eastward through the ‘Croc Drag’ opening and north of Pass Key to approach Nest Key on the north side, the only place where camping is permitted. The waters are shallow and it may be challenging to find a passage through the confusing landscape. Follow navigation charts closely. There is a portable restroom on the west end of Nest Key at the end of a dock which is experiencing rapid erosion and no longer connected to the island. There are no amenities on the island and it is a popular destination for powerboats, especially on weekends and holidays.
3. Nest Key to Card Point, there are three options to continue your journey to Miami:
A. Red Route: Nest Key via Pelican Cay to Card Point is about 18 miles. This will be the most sheltered option with presence of north/northwest winds. From Nest Key head N/NE about 4.3 miles to a small opening at Shell Creek (N 25.210047 W -80.486618) and paddle a short distance through mangroves to enter Long Sound, then head east towards distant buildings on the west end of the U.S. Route 1 Bridge. Look for an opening in the mangroves (N 25.235978 W -80.436184) and head under the bridge just past a couple of private marinas, to Pelican Cay Harbor Camping & Marina, (305-345- 4830) for more information. It offers a limited amount of amenities with a rustic private campground, Wi-Fi and friendly retirees. Either get two gallons of potable water here or at Alabama Jacks, about seven miles further up the coast. Paddling eastward toward Card Sound Bridge, be sure to stop for conch fritters and classic Keys fare at iconic Alabama Jacks an open-air bar floating on barges at the edge of Card Sound Road. Enter through a mangrove opening at N 25.290192 W -80.379509 or follow the canal on the west side of the bridge north about 0.4 miles. Card Sound was once a fishing community, full of characters and pioneers. Today it is a favorite destination for bikers, tourists, and colorful locals.
B. Green Route: Nest Key to Gilbert’s Resort is eight miles and about another 10 miles on to Card Point. This route is more exposed, crossing both the Blackwater Sound and Barnes Sound before joining the ‘Red Route’ along the mainland to Card Point. This option includes a favorite watering hole of the Keys, Gilbert’s Resort. This old-style resort has rooms on the water, a tiki bar, restaurant, and full service marina. Get two gallons of water here. From Nest Key paddle about 3.6 miles east to the entrance of a pleasant mangrove tunnel leading to Blackwater Sound known as the ‘Bogies’ (N 25.174200 W -80.451642). Exiting the ‘Bogies’, paddle about four miles east looking for channel markers of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) that passes by Gilbert’s on Jewfish Creek leading to Barnes Sound. (Select the ‘Orange Route’ if you wish to bypass Gilbert’s and part of the ICW).
C. Yellow Route: Paddling from Nest Key to Key Largo and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is about 10 miles in distance. This is also where you can resupply and join the original Keys route (Segment 16). From Nest Key paddle southeast towards the ICW channel and follow it through Grouper and Dusenbury Creeks into Blackwater Sound. After leaving Dusenbury Creek proceed east one mile to Adams Cut, then paddle about 1.5 miles through the Cut and south to Pennekamp State Park.
If taking the Red or Green Routes which rejoin along the mainland heading to Card Point, you will find the primitive campsite a remote and beautiful spot sheltered by Australian pines and mangroves. During a 2015 visit, a picnic table, yard furniture and a fire ring were present. If you visit this site on weekends or holidays don’t be surprised if power boaters are present during daylight hours.
4. Card Point to Homestead Bayfront Park, 11 miles:
Follow the coastline northeast, keeping a good distance from the Turkey Point Nuclear Facility. Approaching the shoreline here between the cooling canals and the facility may attract a visit by security. About 1.5 miles north of the cooling towers is Homestead Bayfront Park. Look for a narrow mangrove-covered channel at the south end of this well-developed park to access a primitive camping area screened by a concrete wall. Be sure to get permission for camping here ahead of time by calling 305-230-3033 (9 am- 5 pm) or see night security if after hours. Camping is for one night only and group size is limit to a maximum of four tents with eight kayaks. There is a restaurant (closed on Mondays), restrooms, and an outdoor shower next to a swimming lagoon, picnic pavilions and potable water. Make time to see the visitor center at Biscayne National Park, adjacent to Homestead Bayfront Park. Biscayne Bay is the largest marine park in the National Park System, with more than 180,000 acres of islands, mangrove shorelines and undersea life. The park has a number of interesting conservation programs including a sea turtle nest monitoring project, which aims to survey and monitor sea turtle nesting beaches within the park to protect nests from natural predation and unintentional damage by park visitors.
5. Homestead Bayfront Park to Matheson Hammock Park, 16 miles: Proceeding along the shoreline there are a couple of good rest stops—the Black Point Marina about five miles north of Homestead Bayfront Park, and Deering Point County Park five miles further north. Manatees may be seen in the Black Point area. Keep your distance to avoid disturbing them and also evade their powerful tail action if one dives to get away from you. Deering Point offers picnic pavilions, restrooms, potable water, and a few restaurants within walking distance. Heading north along the shore, you will pass a distinct Florida landscape feature, Mount Trashmore, a 225-foot high landfill site located between Coconut Creek and Deerfield Beach in northern Broward County. This is where Dade County’s solid waste is disposed.
Matheson Hammock Park offers a secluded primitive site accessed through a small opening in the mangroves at the south end of the park (N 25.677105 W -80.259238). Call ahead at 305- 665-5475 for permission to camp one night only with group size limited to a maximum of four tents and eight kayaks. Camp behind a tall stand of Australian pines near the west end of the parking lot. There is a restroom and restaurant within walking distance and full service marina. If you have time, walk about a mile through the park to the fantastic Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens to enjoy the lush landscape and Butterfly Conservatory.
6. From Matheson Hammock Park to Teacher’s Island, 11 miles, (rejoin Segment 16): Leaving Matheson Hammock Park, head north along the opulent City of Coral Gables coastline. Exploring historic homes, enjoying exotic cuisine, and culture of Miami is an adventure but access from the water is a challenge. There are a few public access points if you want to secure your boat and create your own walking tour. It’s well worth the effort to visit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and The Barnacle Historic State Park, for a glimpse into the fascinating history of Miami’s early founders. The coastline becomes increasingly developed and paddling past the mansions and high rises of Miami with fast boat traffic may seem like an assault on the senses after several days winding through the pristine Everglades and Keys.
If the Bay’s waters are calm it may be worth your while to paddle east to historic Stiltsville and stay at nearby Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, at the primitive youth camp. It is possible to stay if the camp is not in use and if you make prior arrangements by calling 305-361-8779, M-F 8:00 am -4:30 pm. The camp site is primitive with no restrooms, shelters or power and is accessed from the No Name Harbor on the west side of the park. You must climb ladders over the seawall, secure kayaks to the bike rack near the harbor’s restaurant and then carry gear a quarter mile east to the youth camp. When the park is closed (between sunset and 8:00 am), campers must remain in the youth camp. No after-hours access to the state park will be granted during sea turtle nesting season—May 1st though October 31st.
While at the state park walk about a mile to visit the Cape Florida lighthouse that was first built in 1825, destroyed by Seminole Indians in 1836, and rebuilt in 1846. The 95-foot lighthouse is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County. Ponce de Leon was believed to have landed in this area in 1513 during the first Spanish expedition in Florida.
Leaving Matheson Hammock Park, paddle northeast past the horizon of high rise buildings to Teacher’s Island, just past the Venetian Causeway near the mainland. This is the first of several spoil islands that Dade County is restoring into a tropical paradises with native vegetation. Most of the islands are nearly surrounded by riprap (large rocks) to stem erosion, but small beaches or docks on each island offer handy landing spots. With the exception of Bird Key, which is a bird rookery and off-limits, each island has a picnic area, and some have nature trails and shelters. No long-term camping is permitted, but the islands make great stopovers for circumnavigation paddlers as long as Leave No Trace Principles are utilized. Nearby parks on the mainland, such as Morningside Park, offer public restrooms. Bear in mind that on most weekends, the islands are very popular with boaters.
At Teacher’s Island, rejoin Segment 16 and continue paddling 10.5 miles north to the next overnight stay at Oleta River State Park.