On day one of our Florida Keys Bike Tour we begin with a shuttle to visit Everglades National Park to cycle Shark Valley Loop Trail. The Shark Valley section of the Everglades National Park is very unique and provide an in depth look at the area. Located just 30 miles west of the city of Miami, off the Tamiami Trail (U.S. Highway 41), you will find Shark Valley in the heart of the Everglades. This one of a kind freshwater marsh is found nowhere else on the planet. Here is where we will cycle the Shark Valley Trail, a 15.8 mile paved loop trail. This is a favorite destination for tourists and voted a “must see” stop.
About Cycling the Shark Valley Loop Trail
As you cycle Shark Valley Loop Trail you will find it is primarily used for walking, running, bird watching, and road biking and is accessible year-round. You can walk, ride your bike (or rent a bike onsite) or choose to take a guided tram. The 15-mile loop is very flat and 8 ft wide The average grade is 1% and a max grade is 2% and easy for all to enjoy.
This unique trail follows the Shark River Slough, enabling you to view Florida’s native wildlife close up, including alligators, turtles and many bird species. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved, smooth, and typically at least eight feet wide.
Very beautiful but hot!
You will not find very much shade on this trail but it is totally worth it. Everywhere you look you will find, breathtaking views. Be sure to bring a hat, a spf shirt, sunscreen and lots of water in the warmer months of the year!
Observation Tower
A visit to the top of the Shark Valley Observation Tower is provide a 360-degree view and is perfect for sightseeing with birds, turtles, fishes, gators, and beautiful views of the River of Grass. Opened in 1973 this 50 foot tower found at the midpoint of the trail is provides the highest spot to view the distant horizon
This is simply a fantastic trail for beautiful scenery and a seemingly endless road to cycle Shark Valley through a very unique ecosystem, the impressive Everglades. The trail is recommended for walking or biking as the tram seems to startle most of the wildlife and suitable for all ages and abilities. Be sure to bring your camera and bug spray for those pesky mosquitoes that are on the prowl, though in the winter month’s mosquitoes are not nearly a problem.
The Everglades: A Visual Tour Through Shark Valley
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/outdoors-nature/everglades-shark-valley.html
The Everglades, Florida Keys, and Key West Great Bikes Tour
There is so much to experience on this Multi-activity getaway
At Great Bike Tours we offer a full scope of activities for cyclists and non-cyclists alike. You could spend the whole day trying out all the activities offered by our lodges, or just relax by the pool, take in a massage, and then wander over to their beachside tiki bar. We’ll take you on several exciting eco-tours, including visits to the non-profit Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital (for rehabilitating injured loggerhead sea turtles). Out on the water we’ll treat you to a sunset sailing excursion on a 65 ft schooner, along with a guided kayak trip through the mangrove mazes of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
To learn more about this tour and others destinations we offer, or to request an itinerary, visit us online at https://greatbiketours.com/florida-keys/
