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Our Favorite Scenic Bicycle Trails in South Florida

With year-round biking weather, plenty of natural beauty and a flat terrain that makes bicycling easy, South Florida is a bicyclist heaven. Here are some of the top places we like to ride in the Sunshine State.

Shark Valley at Everglades National Park


Shark Valley has basically one trail – a smoothly paved 15-mile loop. The flat pavement, abundant wildlife and expansive views make this arguably one of the best bike trail in South Florida.

The Shark Valley Entrance to Everglades National Park is located at 36000 SW 8th St, Miami and admission is $35 per car, with a pass good for seven days. The park is busiest from Dec. 26 through April 30.

The best time to visit is from November through April. The dry conditions result in animals gathering around the remaining water, so wildlife viewing is better. Mosquitoes are bad in the summer and there is very little shade at Shark Valley. It’s possible to visit in summer and not see a single alligator; they spread out over the vast watery river of grass.

Tips: There is a $35 fee per car.  Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.  Wear a helmet and pack a spare inner tube and inflator.  Bring a camera to photograph scenery and wildlife.

Information:
 https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm

Sanibel Island (May be closed due to Hurricane Ian damage, please check ahead before traveling)


Sanibel’s 25 miles of bike trails are wide, smooth and the well-marked trails provide access to beaches where cars can’t park, past beautiful Gulf-front mansions and through the woods to Sanibel’s pioneer cemetery, which is not accessible by car. There are several water fountains along the trails and they are separated from the roadways, making them safe for everyone.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the USA.  Known as one of the best bird watching locations in the world with 245 species of birds. It’s an 8-mile loop including the refuge and the bike path back to the parking lot.

Sanibel-Captive Road. You pass Ding Darling refuge and can continue almost to Blind Pass (the division between Sanibel and Captiva.) Along the way, you can stop at the Shell Museum or Bowman’s Beach.


Boca Grande  (May be closed due to Hurricane Ian damage, please check ahead before traveling)


Where the railroad tracks once ran, a paved bike and golf-cart path now extends the length of the island for 6.5 miles. The bike path is scenic, paved, and separate from the cars and trucks, with destinations along the way to make the experience more fun.

Golf carts are the most common form of transportation on the island and bicyclists should be prepared to give them right of way.

So, bring your bike, hop on the path at the northern end, head south and ride into town and explore the historic downtown buildings. Have lunch in a café and then visit the gorgeous beaches and admire the picturesque lighthouses on the southern end of the island. Finally, take a tour the lighthouse museum at the southern tip of the island. Altogether, it makes a great day trip on the bike.


Old Cutler Trail in Miami


The Old Cutler Trail in Coral Gables takes you through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the Miami area. The trail that doubles as the sidewalk along Old Cutler is not very wide and sometimes is rippled with tree roots or studded with obstacles. But it travels under a magnificent ficus tree canopy and passes parks and gardens for its 11-mile length.

One stop along the way is Matheson Hammock Park, a local treasure, which has a fabulous view of Miami’s skyline, a man-made atoll pool for swimming, plenty of shade and a marina. Inside the park is Red Fish Grill, a seafood restaurant in an historic coral rock building. You can extend your ride by biking the roads within the park. Nearby Fairchild Tropical Garden, which includes a rainforest and exotic plants from around the world, does not allow you to bicycle within its grounds.

A good place to start is the traffic circle where Old Cutler Road, Sunset Road, and LeJeune Road meet.