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An out-and-back run to the camping area on Clubhouse Beach with amazing bird-watching and plant life


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Map Key

12.8

Miles

20.5

KM

100%

Runnable

2' 1 m

High

0' 0 m

Low

5' 2 m

Up

5' 2 m

Down

0%

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Max Grade (0°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Swimming · Wildlife

A backcountry permit is required for camping at Clubhouse Beach.

Overview

Venture out into the cottonmouths and mangroves on this old marl (crushed coral) roadbed for a chance to camp on the picturesque Clubhouse Beach. This road was once used by fishermen and cotton pickers to access their fields and fishing holes. Make sure to pick up a permit for overnight camping at the Flamingo Visitor Center and bring enough water for the return journey.

Need to Know

Bring enough water for your journey, the heat and humidity can be dehydrating. The mosquitos are typically bad, plan accordingly with bug spray and long sleeves or mosquito nets. Check with the park rangers before heading out as recent rain can make this trail impassible.

Description

This is one of the best and most accessible opportunities to explore a classic Everglades trail with a beautiful reward waiting at the end. To access this run, head to the Flamingo Visitor Center for an overnight camping permit and park at the west end of the Flamingo Campground Loop.

Take the Coastal Prairie Trail west as it skirts the edge of a dense hardwood hammock and a sawgrass prairie. Around 1.5 miles in, the trail heads into the forest and will continue to duck in and out of the forest for the next 4.5 miles. At mile 6, the trail bends to left and heads south in the final stretch to the coastline and Clubhouse Beach.

What makes this journey truly one to remember is the unobstructed sunset view. Bring a camera and wait for the dramatic colors to emerge as the sun dives behind the horizon.

If you are spending the night (a backcountry permit is required), be sure to explore the beach the next morning before heading back the same way you came.

Flora & Fauna

You may spot herons, storks, egrets, spoonbills, ibis, loons, pelicans, osprey, and many other birds along the way.

History & Background

This trail follows an old road once used by cotton pickers and fisherman.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 6 votes

#4576

Overall
  3.7 from 6 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
17%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#46

in Florida

#4,576

Overall
30 Views Last Month
3,847 Since Jun 24, 2016
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Photos

An abundance of Bromiliad epiphytes such as this Spanish moss.
Dec 30, 2021 near Islamorada, FL
Super excited for mucking!
Dec 30, 2021 near Marathon, FL
Our camping site along the beach with fire ready to go below the high tide mark as required by regulations.
Dec 30, 2021 near Marathon, FL
Mud flats starting about 1/2 mile from the beach, so follow the foot prints and crab cairns.  The view is a bit sad seeing all of the dead forest there.
Dec 30, 2021 near Marathon, FL
The Reddish Egret that watched us muck across the pond.
Dec 30, 2021 near Marathon, FL
The white Ibis liked the mud-flats near the beach a lot more than we did.
Dec 30, 2021 near Marathon, FL

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