Initially named Jungle Park, this uncommon parcel of preserved hardwood hammock was as soon as planted with non-native flora earlier than a significant hurricane tore by means of in 1926.
After the storm, botanist Charles Torrey Simpson shared his information of native vegetation to help in repopulating the park with native vegetation.
In 1931, the park’s identify was modified to pay homage to Simpson’s dedication. He spent a few years residing within the space, documenting now-rare South Florida flora.
Historic markerThe backyard membership constructing, which serves as a customer heart, was constructed in 1941. Parking is restricted in Miami, and the middle has a few free spots out entrance for visitors.
The park has two entrances, one by strolling by means of the backyard membership constructing, and one other on the nook of SW fifteenth Rd and S Miami Ave.
Contained in the park, a community of rugged crushed shell pathways winds by means of the hammock, passing dozens of plant identification indicators alongside the best way.
Customer heartSources
Overview
Location: MiamiLength: 0.5 milesTrailhead: 25.758139, -80.197083Address: 55 SW seventeenth Rd, MiamiFees: FreeRestrooms: At customer centerLand supervisor: Metropolis of MiamiPhone: 305-533-3577
Open 8 AM to three PM. No pets allowed.
Instructions
Hike
Beginning on the backyard membership, step off the again porch onto the path and veer to the precise, meandering over snakelike roots and chunks of uncovered limestone.
A dense inexperienced jungle flanks the trail, arching overhead to solid ample shade onto the rocky hall.
Uncovered limestoneGumbo limbo bushes with their distinctive peeling bark stand alongside quite a lot of understory shrubs and vines, as indicators point out the course of the path.
Keep to the precise at a few upcoming path junctions to comply with a course that ends on the northeastern entrance to the park.
Northeast entranceTurning again in the direction of the backyard membership whereas retaining to the precise, head down the north facet of the loop. Indicators determine native vegetation alongside the best way.
Nicknamed after the park’s namesake, bushy Simpson’s stoppers border the path, sporting fuzzy white aromatic flowers.
Interpretive signageBecause the path ventures to the northwestern quadrant of the park, it opens to a quaint koi pond surrounded by a number of benches.
Observe the trail because it rounds previous the pond to weave by means of patches of ferns, wild espresso, and Florida bitterbush.
Koi pondThe path takes a last jog by means of the hammock, over gnarled roots and previous just a few extra benches earlier than returning to the backyard membership.
Earlier than leaving, take a second to admire a big paradise tree behind the constructing designated as a Nationwide Champion tree.
It’s the largest recognized instance of its species within the nation.
Trailside benchesPath Map
Discover Extra!
Video
Climbing Simpson Rockland Hammock Protect Park
Close by Adventures
The Barnacle Historic State Park In 1891, Commodore Ralph Middleton Munroe constructed his cherished retreat, The Barnacle, within the dense jungle of the Miami Hammock. The Barnacle Historic State Park preserves that sliver of historical past in Coconut Grove.
Pinecrest Gardens Established within the Nineteen Thirties as a tropical vacationer attraction, Parrot Jungle, this tropical forest in Pinecrest has deep roots, if you’ll, showcasing each native and unique tropical species. 
The Deering Property The Deering Property at Cutler, a Miami-Dade county park, preserves each the historic buildings and a remnant of the Addison Hammock, a pine rockland alongside the outdated street following Cutler Ridge.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Backyard Established in 1938 as one of many world’s largest collections of tropical vegetation, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Backyard is an integral a part of the historical past of Florida botany and of Coral Gables.Official Web site
