Go for a Ride on Shark Valley Bike Trail

bike trailBiking is a great way to get exercise, but it’s also a great way to get out and explore – biking in the Everglades is an experience to remember. The Everglades is a vast, beautiful ecosystem with so many different plants and wildlife for you to admire as you glide on past.

If you’re interested in biking in the Everglaes, check out the Shark Valley Bike Trail. The Shark Valley Bike Trail is a 15-mile trip good for all types of bicycles. It’s a flat terrain. People take about 3 hours to complete this trip, but they usually aren’t biking the whole time, because many people stop often to sightsee around!

While biking this trail, you will also share the road with trams from Shark Valley Tram Tours. The trail starts at the Shark Valley visitor center. Whenever a tram comes near you, you are asked to stop biking until the tram passes. The speed limit for everyone is 25 mph.

You can bring your own bike or rent one from Shark Valley Tram Tours. However, bikes are available to rent on a first-come, first-serve basis, so be aware there may be none left during a busy time of day or season. There are bikes for children available, as well as helmets and bike baskets. Bikes can be rented and used on this trail from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you are unable to bike the full 15 miles, you are advised to turn around to return to the beginning. There are restrooms and a water fountain at an observation tower on the trail.

The parking lot closes at 6 p.m. to access this trail.

If you want to ride with a group larger than 20 people, you need to obtain a special-use permit from a park ranger. If you want to bike before 8:30 a.m. or after 4 p.m., you will also have to obtain a permit.

The trail gives riders a closer look at the bayhead and hammock ecosystems in Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cave Hammock trail, which are unpaved walking trails people can explore.

Animal sightings are possible, but it is advised that you do not approach the animals. Keep your distance from all wildlife and never feed them.

Explore the Everglades in an Airboat

Biking the Everglades is great way to experience the park up-close-and-personal while getting exercise. If biking isn’t your thing or if you want to see the Everglades in a different way a trip on an airboat is a great way to do it. Airboats can bring visitors to places beyond where a walking or biking trail can reach. To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click our Private Everglades Airboat Tours page.