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Smoker Family Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 151 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Lauderdale, Florida · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Smoker Family Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ShadedScenicDog-friendlyWaterTrailhead parkingQuiet

Modest park along the Tarpon River featuring tree-shaded walking paths & benches.

What runners say about Smoker Family Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (151 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Whether you are coming for ghostly exploration or to take in the scenic view of the boats cruising the New River, Smoker Park is a stunning piece of historic Ft.”

🌳 shaded & cool 6 mentions

“Its lovely, you can meet lots of dogs here, not all of their owners are tiding after, but over all good shady Park on the New River!”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“All in all, a peaceful and refreshing little getaway in the middle of the day.”

Smoker Family Park is located on the South bank of the New River. While small, the views of the water, downtown Ft. Lauderdale, ands the historic Stranahan House across the River are breathtaking. The park was named in honor of Sanford Smoker, a Ft.

★★★★★ — Ariel , Jul 2023

Great little park nestled right on the river in downtown Ft. Lauderdale and Rio Vista neighborhood. Free parking if you can find a spot. Great spot for a walk or workout or just watching the boats on the water while taking in the city views.

★★★★★ — Hunter , Jul 2019

Great shaded area with outdoor fitness equipment and water fountains for both pets and people. Great sandwich and salad place on edge of park on bottom floor of high rise apartment building.

★★★★★ — Christina , Mar 2018

Excellent place to start the river walk. But very limited parking available here.

★★★★☆ — Ravi , May 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 151 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 13 mentions

“Great spot for a walk or workout or just watching the boats on the water while taking in the city views.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 6 mentions

“Its lovely, you can meet lots of dogs here, not all of their owners are tiding after, but over all good shady Park on the New River!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 6 mentions

“Its lovely, you can meet lots of dogs here, not all of their owners are tiding after, but over all good shady Park on the New River!”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 4 mentions

“But very limited parking available here.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“All in all, a peaceful and refreshing little getaway in the middle of the day.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“Great shaded area with outdoor fitness equipment and water fountains for both pets and people.”

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Plan your run at Smoker Family Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitesavesmokerpark.org

Hours

Monday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Tuesday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Wednesday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Thursday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Friday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Saturday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM
Sunday 6:30 AM–6:45 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Smoker Family Park

501 S New River Dr E, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Get directions

Running trails near Fort Lauderdale

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,538 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

LitScenic

Charming park on the banks of the New River with a wide array of galleries, museums & eateries.

under a mile away

Colee Hammock Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 880 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Small park & green space on the water popular for picnics, river fishing & scenic views.

under a mile away

Esplanade Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 1,926 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

LitScenic

Waterfront gardens & pavilion, part of the Riverwalk Park route, hosting regular outdoor events.

under a mile away

Cliff Lake Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ 52 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Scenic

Kid-friendly park known for its turtles.

under a mile away

Annie Beck Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 179 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

ScenicDog-friendly

Small, peaceful park featuring mature trees, a canal view and a gazebo.

under a mile away

Progress Hammock Memorial Greenway

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Fort Lauderdale, FL

1.2 miles away

All running trails in Fort Lauderdale, FL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.