Best Hikes Near Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach, Florida

When weather and family obligations make longer hikes impractical, these hikes are nearby and will still get you out into the great outdoors. Both the inexperienced and experienced hiker will enjoy these outings. I have also put together a spot video for each hike.

Airport Greenbelt - Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Airport Greenbelt is open, airy, and you also get a great view of the airport! There are interpretive signs for plantings that include native flora. Paved trails take you along a nice hilly section, and you can also explore the local neighborhood to expand your walk. Go under the Griffin's Road underpass. The Airport Greenbelt shouldn't be overlooked. There are interesting wetlands and plenty of room for joggers as well. Bring water, but be aware that their are no bathroom facilities. Source material - watch Airport Greenbelt Video.

Chapel Trail Park Nature Preserve - 19800 Sheridan Street 
(954) 450-6771

Chapel Trail is a great place to stretch your legs on an elevated boardwalk that takes you through freshwater wetlands without getting your feet wet. With unspoiled open vistas, your eyes can gaze upon open water and freshwater marshes unimpeded. It's quiet and peaceful. Good for two or more hours of walking and exploring. Bring water, snacks, and binoculars. Take your time and enjoy Chapel Trail from 7:30 A.M. to dusk. And, yes, there are bathroom facilities! Source material - watch the Chapel Trail Video.

Fern Forest Nature Center - 201 Lyons Rd. South - Coconut Creek, FL 954-970-0150

Besides a boardwalk, you can walk on mowed paths and even hike along a back woods trail. There's lots of shade and you can spend several enjoyable hours exploring. Fern Forest also has a welcoming naturalist who will help you get better acquainted with Florida's native flora and fauna. I like visiting Fern Forest because I can experience nature without the long drive to the Everglades. This park is closed with a gated fence so make sure you call ahead for daily hours. Bathroom facilities are available. Source material - watch Fern Forest Video.

Secret Woods Nature Center - 2701 West State Road 84 - Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-791-1030

Near the entrance is a butterfly garden for viewing and photographing. The trails are well marked and traverse through an oak forest, a cypress/maple tree forest, and sections of the New River where you'll find mangroves. The last two times that I've been there; I've spotted some snakes. One snake was curled up in a tree (well off the trail), and another slithered quickly away with our approach. This park is closed with a gated fence so call ahead for daily hours. Bathroom facilities are available. Source material - watch Secret Woods Video.

Snyder Park - 3299 S.W. 4th Avenue 
Fort Lauderdale, FL 
954-828-4585

If you want to take your dog on a hike, check out the dog park at Snyder Park. There are separate entrances for large and small dogs, an assortment of exercise equipment, and water. With a freshly rehabbed green lawn and a shady spot for you to sit, this dog park is people friendly too. A nearby freshwater lake offers your dogs a chance to swim! Though we don't have a dog, we ventured inside to watch, and later explored the rest of the park on foot and by car. Bathroom facilities are available. Check hours too. Source material - watch Snyder Park Video.