Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve (ACE Preserve) - North Miami, FL
Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve (ACE Preserve) is a hidden gem in North Miami, Florida, offering nature lovers and dog owners a peaceful escape with scenic, pet-friendly trails. Known for its mangrove forest, coastal estuary, and connections to The Biscayne Bay Nature Trail, this dog park in North Miami is ideal for those seeking a blend of local history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities. The lush preserve serves as a crucial wildlife corridor and is teeming with native flora and fauna, making every walk an adventure.
Dog owners will appreciate the two fully fenced areas—one for small dogs and one for large dogs—making it a safe place for pets to socialize and exercise off-leash. Benches provide places to relax while your pup plays, and ample shade from the trees ensures comfort during your visit. The preserve features paved exercise trails, a butterfly garden, and plenty of parking at the trail’s start. While basic amenities like restrooms and water fountains may not always be available, the park is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the community is known for being attentive and friendly.
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated fenced areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there are dedicated fenced areas for both small and large dogs.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, the park has separate areas for small and large breeds.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park is accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches for owners within the dog areas.
- Is there parking available? Yes, limited parking is available at the start of the trail.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve connects to The Biscayne Bay Nature Trail and offers paved walking and biking trails.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the preserve offers ample shade from trees throughout the park.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Restrooms are not available within the park.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Water fountains and hoses for dogs may not always be operational, so bringing your own water is recommended.
Reviews
What a beautiful walk. I already have it in my plan for walking every time I can. Thanks God for taking me to place in the world like this.
Free to enter and very nice. Was a great experience overall and nice areas to take pictures. Accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers. Dogs can enter as well. My one concern is that the are is literally swarming with wasps everywhere so be very careful!
This place connect The Biscayne Bay Nature Trail and as soon as I started crossing it I felt grateful and blessed. What a beautiful walk. I already have it in my plan for walking every time I can. Thanks God for taking me to place in the world like this.
Arch Creek was a Native American settlement in what is now present day Miami. Tequesta Indians thrived here until the early 16th century when European settlers arrived. The name Arch Creek comes from a natural limestone bridge that spanned the creek and was once part of an important Native American trail. The bridge collapsed in 1973 after trees with roots likely holding the bridge were removed. This area includes Arch Creek Memorial Park and the Arch Creek Environmental Preserve.
Arch Creek Environmental Preserve is a 13 acre nature preserve with a mangrove forest and coastal estuary. It is a vital wildlife corridor between two major state conservation areas, Oleta River State Park Annex and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve. Some of the diverse wildlife you may see here includes manatees, saltwater crocodiles, wood storks, great-horned owls, egrets, herons, pelicans, ospreys, swamp rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, possums, box turtles, land crabs, ghost crabs, eagle rays, mullet, snapper, snook, grouper, and more.
Arch Creek Environmental Preserve was designated as an Environmental Preserve in perpetuity by the City of North Miami in 2007. The Urban Paradise Guild has worked for years on habitat restoration projects such as removing invasive plants like Australian Pines and planting mangroves. There is limited parking at the start of the trail and the trail ends at the campus of Florida International University. The preserve includes a butterfly garden and the paved exercise trail used by walkers, runners, cyclists, bird watchers, and nature lovers. This was an enjoyable place to take a walk and enjoy nature in the middle of urban Miami. Whether you’re looking for a quiet stroll, a safe place to exercise, or simply somewhere to unwind outside, Arch Creek Environmental Preserve offers a welcoming and accessible haven for nature enthusiasts.
Beautiful location! Right behind FIU. Nice peaceful trail you can walk or ride your bike on! Although it’s not a typical park. I didn’t see any restrooms or picnic tables to use. More of a nature trail that leads out by the marina. Good to take a brisk walk or relax by the water.