Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park

The best kept secret for sure for a small, local trail to walk/​run/​jog or enjoy the greenery. Beautiful.

Having moved to North Miami from Miami Beach, we knew there would be some new and interesting things to see and do; we were never told about the wonderment and enchantment that is «Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park» though!
This little slice of heaven just a few minutes on foot from our new home is a wonderful place for families, couples, nature lovers and just about anyone who has a desire to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy life!
We first saw the park while driving to and from our home everyday and then one day saw a sign about a Halloween gathering. We stopped by on the eve of and enjoyed families smiling, food, games, entertainment and just all around joy. Big fans of the outdoors for sure now thanks to this park!

Just wanted to let everyone know that the pony and horseback rides are back! For kids, the pony rides are $ 5 for 5 minutes (so essentially, a dollar a minute). If you pay with a card, rather than cash, the minimum to charge on the card is $ 25. For adults, they offer horseback riding lessons, and these are $ 45 for 30 minutes of lessons. There’s also an adorable potbellied pig named Slim on the property, near the ponies and horses.
The park is currently in the process of setting up Halloween decorations, and they are using the bridge as a haunted house, so anyone wanting to bike ride or walk across the bridge will need to wait until after Halloween. On this particular occasion, I got to see the Musical Madman rehearsing their British folk songs in preparation for an upcoming show, so you never know what you might run into. The weather is cooling down, making it a perfect time to visit the park and enjoy the scenery (or in my case, the music, as well!).

OK park. Respite from city life for sure though. Short paved trails for walkin and runnin. Tropical foliage… Only saw Ibis birds, not much other wildlife. Some water bottles and trash along the trail although I saw a staff member toolin around in a golf cart but doubt trash removal was his thing. Despite the score, I hope some rich entity doesn’t come along and turn it into a high rise.

This place is beautiful; a hidden gem that I had no idea existed. Makes me wonder how many more parks are like this one that we all drive past daily. There’s a nice bridge over water that looks like something out of a travel abroad magazine. Apparently there is a walking path that people use for exercise. I didn’t get a chance to explore that much because I was working, we shot a music video there. Lots of spiders! Be careful where you walk, webs and insects everywhere. It’s a nice place to come for a picnic, a bonfire, etc. We did see a bonfire pit. I’m not sure how it works there. I would assume that you would need to get permission. I also so a little office there.

Since the MOCA was closed (by the way, what’s up with that?!) … here’s a great way to spend a comforting hour if you’re in the neighborhood. I came across it entirely by mistake after missing my bus stop and getting off later. I heard some great old R&B tunes from the road, and came across a family playing some great music in the park. I hung around to enjoy the peacefulness of the small trails. Be aware of all the spiders … I came to think that’s what all the «ENTER TRAIL AT YOUR OWN RISK» were referring to. A huge spider web every 2 feet on some trails. I later looked up and found that it’s the Golden Silk Orbweaver spider that is here at the Elaine Gordon park.

This park is a hidden Gem tucked away US1 and NE 16^th ave. It has lush trees and lots of animal life to you interested. A great place to take the kids for an afternoon and there is a playground in the back. It also boasts a horse stable where you can stand at the fence and pet horses or let the kids go for a pony ride. I love it after work to go for a jog as it has a paved walking path that is about ½ mile around. Often I just grab a sandwich and a book and head on over there to relax.

Are you looking for an easy party venue, would you prefer exercising, studying, or just relaxing? This beautiful enchanted park offers options such as picnic shelter rentals, paved nature trails, and also pony rides/​horseback riding. Guess what, it’s FREE to Enter and there is no parking fee!!! There’s also a well kept tot lot for your little ones.
Ibis, Turtles, and Squirrels oh my… There’s Ibis near the water, and a canal filled with turtles. (the canal could be cleaner, there was garbage in the canal.)
For many years towards the later part of October, for one night only, they offer their traditional Haunted Trails for family fun. If your in the mood for getting spooked this is a fun activity. Sorry guys this is not free. However, you may be able to get a better deal if you pre-​purchase tickets at the Parks and Recreation Office instead of waiting at the gate.
To rent a shelter you must rent it in advance, and it includes picnic tables, electricity and water.

$ 5 pony rides!

I always passed by this park and I finally went. Has a little museum, trail, natural mini bridge and a playground or horse/​pony rides if you have kids. Only downside is the humongous spiders on the trail.

This is such a pretty little tucked away park! and its called the «Enchanted Forest»!!! How cool is that? The park is lush and green, usually not too crowded (it was pretty packed on Easter because they had egg hunts) and it has beautiful huge banyan trees, perfect to bring a blanket and just chill with your sweetie for a little while, or for picnics :)
Like I said, there’s tons of trees and its just a little oasis to get away that’s beautiful place in the middle of our big city… AND. there’s a few bridges over a lake (or a river?) with a bunch of turtles. :) As for the bathrooms, they weren’t too bad, for a park. Anyways, I recommend this place.
According to their website: The Enchanted Forest Elaine Gordon Park
A 22-​acre oasis located on North Miami’s Arch Creek. Besides the natural beauty of the oak hammocks and other scenic views, the park offers paved walking trails, picnic tables and grills, rental pavilions, a tot lot and a pony ride concession.