Illustrated Public Parks Hiking and Walking Maps

Illustrated Public Park Maps

Illustrator: John Potter - Escape Key Graphics
Client: Miami Dade County

County Park Hiking Trail Maps

These illustrated hiking trail maps were created for the Miami Dade County Parks and Recreation Department and feature trail systems across six county parks. The goal of the project was to provide clear, easy to understand overhead maps that help visitors navigate park trails while enjoying a visually appealing design. These maps were developed to support multiple uses, including integration into a mobile phone app and other digital and printed materials.

The county requested a clean overhead style that balances simplicity with illustration. Rather than overwhelming users with excessive detail, the maps focus on trail layout, access points, and key features that hikers need to orient themselves quickly. This approach makes the maps especially effective for use on mobile devices, where clarity and readability are essential.

Trail Maps Structure

Creating trail maps like these requires careful attention to accuracy, scale, and user experience. Each park presented its own layout and challenges, but the consistent visual language helps users move easily from one park map to another. The overhead perspective makes the trail networks familiar and intuitive, similar to how people naturally read traditional maps.

Illustrated hiking trail maps are a valuable resource for parks, nature preserves, and outdoor recreation areas. They improve wayfinding, enhance visitor safety, and encourage exploration while reinforcing the identity of the park system. This project highlights how custom map illustration can support public agencies, outdoor spaces, and digital platforms with clear and engaging visual communication.

A.D. (Doug) Barnes Park