Fall in South Florida is a beautiful time of year to explore the great outdoors. The weather is cooler, the humidity is down, and it truly feels like fall. Fall in Florida means hurricane season is ending and residents are breathing a little easier. Those of you who enjoy the great outdoors but have avoided mother nature during the ‘dog days’ of summer, can now venture out for long days amid incredible fall temperatures.
October may be one of the most beautiful months of the year in South Florida for amazing outdoor activities. It is warm enough for beach days and cool enough to explore the many endless trails of Florida’s fabulous State Parks. Get ready to plan your South Florida Adventure with the Top 5 outdoor activities for fall.
1. Go for a Ride.
Biking is a great outdoor activity for fall, perfect for the whole family. South Florida has some incredible bike trails, many with easy access from your town or city. Chief among them is Shark Valley Trail in the Everglades just off Tamiami Trail (U.S. Route 41) west of Miami. An unforgettable ride biking among alligators on a 14.5-mile paved loop. Other great spots for biking include Johnathan Dickinson State Park with bikeable roads, nature trails, and paved bike trails including Old Dixie Highway and the Camp Murphy Trails; Miami’s South Beach, which features sandy bike trails and a connector via the Venetian Causeway to Downtown; and Palm Beach Lake Trail running alongside the Intracoastal Waterway and passing the glamorous mansions of Palm Beach.
2. Take a Hike.
While you may think flat Florida doesn’t have the most challenging hiking in America, you’d be wrong! All of the trails listed above are open for hikers as well as bikers, plus there are many more. One of the most challenging is Big Cypress National Preserve’s miles of subtropical wilderness, home to panthers, deer, and black bear. The preserve’s trails are subdivided into three sections: 7 miles from Loop Road to U.S. 41, 8 miles from I-75 to the boundary of the preserve, and a massive 28-mile stretch from Highway 41 to I-75. Less strenuous, but just as beautiful is Riverbend Park with 10 miles of hiking trails and lots of activities for the perfect family adventure.
3. Launch your Kayak.
While kayaking Florida is great all year long, fall is the perfect time to dip your kayak in the water. The entire family can launch along the beaches in South Florida or choose from a number of scenic waterways. In Palm Beach County, explore the Loxahatchee River featuring air plants, cypress, and ferns which create a shady, mystical ride. In Broward County, bring your own Kayak or rent one at beautiful Whiskey Creek in Dania Beach at the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park. Miami Dade guests and residents will enjoy paddling around Biscayne Bay or along Nine Mile Pond in Everglades National Park.
4. Enjoy the Wildlife
A can’t miss activity for Floridians and vacationers, watching wildlife is an adventure in itself. From falcons to bald eagles to spoonbills to pelicans, Florida’s wildlife viewing includes much more than just birds! In South Florida on the trails, hiking, biking, and kayaking, you may catch a glimpse of manatees, alligators, deer, black bear, and so much more. Keep your eyes open wide!
5. Pitch Your Tent.
Or park your RV. Whatever your camping style, South Florida has the perfect spot! In the Keys, Bahia Honda State Park features a beautiful beach and ocean front camp sites. Everglades National Park is another great spot with two campgrounds as well as backcountry camping. Jonathan Dickenson State Park features two campgrounds – one amid the pine groves and one along the Loxahatchee River.
Bonus #6: Enroll Your Kids at Camp Live Oak Fun Day Camps on Teacher Work Days this Fall for amazing outdoor learning activities!