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PARKS
Everglades National Park
Biking
Bicycling is permitted along the main park roads, on the Shark Valley tram road, on the Old Ingraham Highway, on Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and on the Snake Bight and Rowdy Bend trails at Flamingo. For details, see individual trail descriptions on the hiking page.
If you really want to know about biking in Florida, click on over to GORP's special Biking Florida feature. This feature includes extensive trip details for an Everglades to the Keys bike tour.
Shark Valley Tram Road
Bicycling at Shark Valley is a great way to experience the quiet beauty of the Everglades. As the sawgrass prairie slowly unfolds before your eyes, stop and take a moment to enjoy the life that abounds.
Along the road are four artificial lakes known as borrow pits. These pits are areas where limestone has been extracted, crushed into gravel, then used to raise the level of the tram road. In the winter months, when the sawgrass prairie is dry, the borrow pits serve as water holes that attract a variety of wildlife. Look for alligators, wading birds and anhingas around these artificial"gator holes."
Bike Path
The bike path is 15 miles (24 km) round trip. There are no short cuts. If you become tired or are unable to complete the entire 15 mile trip, turn around and return on the same road.
Bicycling the road takes an average of 2-3 hours, but varies with physical stamina and personal interests. The parking lot closes at 6:00 p.m., so be sure to allow enough time.
You can rent bicycles at the tram office. For more information, call the Shark Valley Tram Office at (305) 221-8455.
While Biking...
Maintain a safe distance (10-15 feet) if you see alligators on the road. Safety Tip for Dummies: Never approach alligators. Do not try to pet alligator. Alligator is more interested in your hand than your peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Travel opposite the flow of tram traffic. Bikes should begin the road traveling south along the straight West Road, starting behind the Visitor Center. Encounters with trams will be less frequent traveling in this direction.
Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards and other similar devices, as well as private motorized vehicles, are not allowed on the Shark Valley tram road.
Groups
Park regulations require that any group of more than 20 bicyclists obtain a Special Use Permit prior to their planned ride. Groups who wish to bicycle after park hours are also required to have a permit and are limited to no more than 25 persons.
Applications for Special Use Permits can be obtained by calling the Everglades park office.
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