R Hardy Matheson County Preserve

"This is a great almost 4 mile walk! Very few people were on the trail even on the weekend, and the views are calm and serene. Some trash is here and there, but it’s worth making it to the outlet to the ocean at the end. I parked on the side of the road and crossed a busy street and bridge, but once you find the small gate, you simply walk through and you’re on the trail."

"Feels like a secret garden. I have lived in Miami most of my life and never knew about this place. Recommend everyone to visit for the best skyline view of Miami."

"Great trail for running or walking. It's a very long rocky road and at the end you get a beautiful view of the ocean. Once we got to the end there was a lot of trash around sadly, im guessing some people where there a few days before but the view is still amazing. Make sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat cause it was blazing hot when I went. This place also has a random little building full of graffiti which I really liked. It's also very secluded and hidden from the actual road. I had to park at a library near by but I did see some cars parked at the side."

"Parking here is difficult and there is a lot of trash along the main canal. Some of the trails into the preserve are nice. Unfortunately a lot of the fishermen here leave lots of trash. Doesn't seem to be very much city or county upkeep. As a fellow fisherman it makes me ashamed when we abuse our natural spaces like this. Pack in, pack out. Attached pictures are of the least trashy place that I found to get my line wet."

"This preserve is a separate property from Matheson Hammock Park. This preserve named R Hardy Matheson County Preserve is a peaceful hike that runs along a dredge canal that leads out to the Biscayne Bay. The 2 mile round trip hike is fairly easy and the terrain is just a gravel dirt road. You definitely will spot beautiful birds in this location as it's one of Miami's largest remaining mangrove coast. Not much of a scenic hike until you arrive to the end where you arrive at ocean point view.The view is just beautiful, with glass waters leading you up to the horizon where you can see downtown Miami just across the edge. The sad part is that the county doesn't take much care of this property as there was lots and lots of garbage when you arrive at ocean point view. Garbage cans have not been picked up when I went on a early morning hike. There was garbage all around and outside the garbage cans. That was my only take away from this trip. There is no parking here. You would have to park somewhere nearby and then walk here. I parked at the Pinecrest Branch Library because I felt it was the best public option to park at without the risk of being towed. From here though, it turns the hike into a total of 4 miles(round trip) Take a water bottle as you would probably be walking for about 2 to 3 hours."