Barefoot Mailman Hike

The above photo captured a previous hike that ended in South Beach. Photo: Miami Customer Relations Coordinator Mirtha Uriarte

This weekend (February 1-2) 400 Boy Scouts and Scout Leaders will relive part of South Florida history in the Boy Scouts of America - South Florida Council’s Annual Barefoot Mailman Hike. 

This hike honors the efforts of the 1890s South Florida letter carriers, known as the “Barefoot Mailmen,” who walked and carried mail on a four-day journey from Palm Beach to Miami. In October 1887, Carrier James Hamilton mysteriously disappeared along the journey. It is believed that he lost his life at Hillsboro Inlet, attempting to retrieve a dingy he used to get across the waterway. The annual Barefoot Mailman Hike commemorates these mailmen by completing Hamilton’s final route.

The Scouts and their scout leaders will hike 34 miles, starting Pompano Beach Pier, and ending in South Beach. Participants will be carrying commemorative letters on their journey. And just like the Barefoot Mailmen, participants will be self-sufficient, carrying all their food, shelter, and items on their backs.