1725 NE 135th Street
North Miami

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Massive live oaks look like they've been here, untouched, for 100 years or more. The mangroves are equally ancient — giant roots seemingly drop from the sky to the water. Enchanted Forest is an urban park in densely developed northeastern Miami-Dade County but in a few spots has the feel of nature untouched.

It is 22 acres, with picnic facilities, a pony riding stable and some open fields perfect for play. But it also has a nature trail leading through a hardwood hammock and along a canal. Squirrels bound from live oak to live oak. Butterflies and dragonflies fill the meadows and the fringes of the woods. And there are birds — ibis, doves, mockingbirds, cardinals and more. There is a second trail leading toward the park's west end but it is a bit more developed. The west end also features a butterfly garden. There is also a remant of a wet meadow, with a few cypress trees scattered through.

The trails are hard-surfaced — the eastern trail begins at a wooden bridge — and accessible. Parking is plentiful and there are restrooms and drinking water on site. The park is operated by North Miami; it's open from sunrise to sunset. Enchanted Forest is adjacent to Arch Creek Park, so the two can be taken in together without much difficulty.

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