HAND-VERIFIED TRAIL · BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK

Spite Highway

6 mipoint-to-point

The longest walk in the park: roughly six miles down the centre of Elliott Key, through hammock that regrows fast enough to narrow the corridor between maintenance passes. The name is history, not scenery: in 1968, developers trying to spoil the island for preservation bulldozed a six-lane, seven-mile swath down its centre, months before the national monument was signed into law. Today's trail follows that cut. Boat access only, and no water once you leave the campground area.

CAN WE ALL GO?

Who this trail suits

🐕 No dogs 🧒 Comfortable from age 10 👶 No stroller 🚻 Restrooms at the trailhead 💧 Water on the route ☀️ 80% shaded

Underfoot & overhead overgrown cut down the island spine

HOW HARD IT FEELS

Steepness and shade

80% shaded Mostly tree cover — a workable afternoon

In July, Biscayne National Park runs around 92°F at the main visitor elevation.

TODAY AT THE PARK

Before you leave the car

⚠️ Camping and Docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys

Docking at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys: $25.00 Friday - Monday and Federal Holidays Camping at Boca Chita and Elliott Keys: $35.00 per night. Payments must be made on site using the recreation.gov phone app.

Live NPS alert for Biscayne National Park
⚠️ Ride Share Services

Convoy Point grounds, Jetty Trail, kayak launch, and picnic area open at 7 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. If you are using a ride share service for transportation to and from the park, ensure ride share services can be...

Live NPS alert for Biscayne National Park
NOT THIS ONE?

Other trails in Biscayne National Park

QUICK ANSWERS

Frequently asked

Can I take a dog on Spite Highway?

No — Spite Highway is closed to dogs. Our Biscayne National Park dog guide lists the trails where they are welcome, plus boarding and the nearest 24/7 vet.

Is Spite Highway good for kids?

We rate it comfortable from age 10. It is not a stroller route. That rating is our own hand-check of length, footing and exposure, not an official NPS grade.

When is the best time of day to hike Spite Highway?

About 80% of the route is shaded, and Biscayne National Park peaks around 92°F in its hottest month. The less shade a route has, the more of it you want behind you before midday.