This was a relatively flat sidewalk run that circumnavigates the lake. I started on Golfview Drive and went left. From here, you have the lake on your right and constant traffic on the left. Fortunately, there was a burst of rain as I started my run in the mid afternoon when it was really warm. At about three miles I was hot and needed to cool down. With the shore so close to me, I was seemingly deterred from approaching the shore because there were "private property" signs posted at every boat dock along the way. Nevertheless, this did not stop me from cooling off at the third mile.

I approached the clear water and made sure there were no dinosaur-type creatures lurking below before sticking my hand in the water. After dousing myself with cool water, I was able to carry on again. I am not a road runner and the concrete was a challenge for me as I was running in my Nike Terra Kigers. I walk a few times but this was primarily due to the heat. I didn't bring any water to drink and no calories to ingest. I pushed on, though. At the half way point, the lake is well behind giant houses with lavish exteriors and sprawling yards. This portion was rather delightful to see.

I saw a few runners going in the opposite direction and I waved. They waved in return. At the six mile point, I steered myself to a small beach and again doused myself with water. This was refreshing. Then I cruised again on the concrete pathway. At mile eight, the houses disappeared and the lake returned. The wind pushed against me and the sun burned my face, but I kept running. Up ahead, a street sign said, "Golfview Drive at next light." Hopeful, I pushed on. I reached the finish line, but realized it was about 9.8 miles, so I kept going until I got 10 miles. Time 1:39.

Feels very unsafe

The trail is closed during the the work day Monday through Friday, at the South trailhead entrance. This would have been good information to know. Prior to riding my bicycle 7 miles to that trailhead, and just have to turn around.

The listed 3.7 miles is from the Hammock Park ranger station to the highway intersection. The shown map does not go all the way west. There is a $2 fee to continue west past the ranger station and into the park BUT the ride through it is outstanding. Not to be missed - be sure to stop at the Cypress Swamp trail and walk the boardwalk/catwalk over the swamp.

I’m giving this trail four stars precisely because most of it is just a simple dirt trail through a pristine Florida natural habitat -- we were just biking between the trees through beautiful nature. However, we did the trail during a very dry time in March 2022 and with 1.75 inch tires, and it didn’t hurt that we started on the dirt road out of the state park and didn’t know any better. If the conditions are wet you’ll want to do the non-asphalt part on a mountain bike with knobby tires.

While traveling, my wife and I were Pleased to enjoy this entire trail. It features a shared space between a nature preserve and residential area. Trail head also includes a visitor center that was an enjoyable stop as well, learning about the environmental and cultural history of the area. The most exciting aspect was to learn that we were biking along a watershed that is the start of the Everglades.

Not much fun crossing busy streets. We turned around and went home halfway into the ride. Too much work.

Well paved and easy to skate on without fear of tripping.

Great for skating. Pavement was even and didn't have to worry about falling!