Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Florida

While avid bikers often think of tricky terrain as the ideal biking destination, Florida has much to offer beginning bikers and experts alike. Consider challenging yourself with muddy terrain, sand, and alligators!

Select from 5 miles of trails at Sun ‘N’ Lakes Park by Sebring. Beginners and more seasoned bikers alike will enjoy the view as these trails traverse over the rolling hillside. If it rains, the muddy trails will be a great challenge for experienced bikers, but there are also fire breaks, dry trail areas, and obstacles more suited to less experienced bikers to enjoy, as well. There’s something here for everyone. But better bring enough bug spray for everyone, too! The insects can be bad in the heat of summer.

With 16-20 miles of marked trails to select from, Balm Boyette is also a fun place to go for a long bike ride. Beginners can choose flat, even trails and then boost their skill level by navigating some of the trails with rocks, tree roots, and sand as they gain their confidence. Take a map along and explore multiple trails. But don’t forget the water bottles. You’ll get some great exercise and don’t want to get dehydrated.

Dyer Park near West Palm Beach has something for everyone. There are several distinctly different trails. The park is located on an old landfill. The first trail is about 3 miles long and goes up and down the hill all the way around it. Its pretty challenging with hairpin turns and steep inclines. The second trail runs around the outer edge of the park, but there are several technical trails that shoot off of it. There are also paved and gravel roads for equestrians. These trails are great for intermediate riders, who can also work on their skills with some of the technical side trails.

Fort Clinch, by Fernandina, is a great attraction and provides bathroom facilities and vending machines which is a nice plus. While admission is $5, many bikers park their vehicles by the beach and just come in on their bikes to avoid the expense. The trails encompass 7 miles of great bike riding including technical challenges like trees, sand, leaves, mud, stumps, and tree roots to navigate and a plethora of turns, twists, ups, and downs to keep things interesting. Be sure to watch for the signs and stay on the bike trail, though. The trail heads off in different directions at some points, and it can be easy to get confused.

Carter Road is a 6-mile loop near Lakeland. This area is home to an old phosphate mine and features hard-packed track. It has some pretty technical stuff like finger loops, jumps, and rollercoaster drops. All in all, it makes for an awesome ride. Watch out for alligators though!

Alafia, Florida features a 10-mile loop of fantastic technical and steep riding. The trails are well-maintained, but not always well-marked so you might want to get a map of the area first. There are restrooms nearby and there is a small fee for parking ($2-4). Most bikers in Florida agree, that Alafia is well worth your trip!

No matter how experienced-or inexperienced-you may be, Florida has fun and exciting bike trails you’ll enjoy. But remember, Florida is one of the nation’s hot spots. So bring-and drink-plenty of water to stay hydrated. And plan to have a blast!