Experience the Beauty of Wildlife While Biking the 15-Mile Loop at Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades
Are you a nature lover? Do you enjoy biking? If so, then the Shark Valley 15-mile loop in the Florida Everglades National Park is the perfect place to visit! This unique paved biking trail, offers a scenic adventure through the beautiful and diverse Everglades amongst the wildlife that call the Everglades home.
The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it an ideal experience for bikers of all skill levels. Just remember that the wind will be blowing in the opposite direction after you leave the observation tower. However, it is important to remember to stay alert and keep a safe distance from the wildlife.
You will see alligators all along the trail and some beautiful waterbirds. It really is a great place for nature lovers to visit.
I know this picture is not perfect, but the sunrise looked so pretty from our car window as we traveled down to the Everglades National Park. The morning was really looking good.
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| Sunrise |
This was my third visit to Shark Valley in the Florida Everglades National Park. I love the nature and wildlife viewing there. I took my daughter, maybe eight years ago and we brought our own bikes. The second time I went, I took a friend and we did the Tram. This time I went with a great group and we rented bikes.
If you would like to watch the video instead, you can watch it here:
I was really looking forward to this trip, but I am not going to lie, I was worried if I could still do the the 15 - Mile bike loop. For a couple of days before, the weather apps kept saying it was going to be a rainy day. The last thing I wanted was to be stuck out there during a rain storm.
I am pretty sure they would not let you go out there if that was the case.
When the day finally came, they said that the rain was supposed to start in the afternoon, so that should work.
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| View from the Observation Tower |
By the time we arrived, the sky was gray and foggy. We could not believe that it happened like that. It was funny, we all added and extra layer to our tops when we arrived. It was cold for us. 60 degrees lol, but I think we were all thankful, cause it made for nice biking weather. Florida was experiencing a really hot spring this year and we had been sweating a lot just days before.
*****Note****** The bathrooms before you start the loop, are the ones where it is just a hole that you sit on, but they maintain it very well. The bathrooms at the observation tower are regular flush toilets.
We were finally ready to start our bike riding adventure! Yay. So we rented our bikes and were picking them out. You can adjust the seat on the bike. I go to get on my bike and I am like, "oh no, I think I am going down, oh no, I am, there is no stopping this, I am going all the way down to the ground! " I was so embarrassed!! I could not even just play it off, because my stupid big foot got caught in the bike and one of the guys had to un-wedge my foot for me. He thought my foot was broken and my best friend, just was in shock - LOL So anyways, I did what they always say to do and got back on the saddle. Geesh! I was ok, I was just bruised all over. I am fine with that, as long as no broken bones.
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| A Previous Picture of Shark Valley when I Visited and the Sun was Out |
So side note: My plan was to try out my new Go Pro 8, I was not sure how to work it, but that is how I filmed the first half of the bike ride at the end of the youtube video above. It is not a great video, I did swerve on my bike and thought to myself, I better just focus on staying on my bike. I did not and don't want to get kicked out of my group, they are so nice lol.
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| The First of Three Walking Trails on the 15-Mile Loop |
So we started on the 15 - Mile Loop Trail. There are three walking trails on the loop. This is the first one. You want to watch where you step because this one has solution holes in the limestone. Some are bigger than your foot! Also, watch out for wildlife and keep your distance. Don't let your kids run off, keep them close and be safe.
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| A Solution Hole on the Trail |
Above, is one of my friends showing how big this solution hole is compared with his foot.
The first half of the bike ride is a lot of trees, milk thistle, gators, birds, water and lily pads. I enjoy this view more than the other side, because that one can be very dry looking. Depending on the rain situation or not.
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| Alligator!! |
The below is Milk Thistle that you see all along the little road. I think it is pretty.
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| Milk Thistle |
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| Jewel of the Marsh |
During my trips to Shark Valley, I have seen quite a variety of different bird species. I go over them in my youtube video
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| A Baby Alligator on a Lilly Pad |
Here is the Observation Tower. There is a ramp to walk up and there are regular bathrooms there. As for the view, they say that you can see for 20 miles.
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| A previous picture of the Observation Tower Taken on a Sunny Day |
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| This Big Guy Greeted Us at the Observation Tower |
This big guy always seems to be near the Observation Tower. I used the zoom lense on my camera. - Never go up close!
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| A View from the Observation Tower on a Sunny Day |
The views from the observation tower are really nice. You can see more in my youtube video.
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| Remember to Watch Your Surroundings |
This guy was near the walking trail by the Observation Tower. I was busy talking and joking around and did not realize that I was standing next to him. This trail was also a one-way trail, so I had to walk past him again to get off the trail. Please be aware of your surroundings.
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| The Great Woodstork |
We started back on the 15- Mile loop road to complete our bike ride. I think we were done in about 2 1/2 hours (Total). My first time there I spent 3 1/2 hours.
There is one more walking trail that you can take and it is towards the end of the loop. You can drop off your bike and then walk over to the trail. It is a nice boardwalk. It exits out at the beginning to the bike loop.
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| Bobcat Boardwalk Trail |
Here are some Tips for Your Trip:
- Wear Sunscreen
- Bring lots of water
- Bring some energy bars
- Keep your distance from the wildlife
- Wear good walking shoes
- Arrive early, the parking lot fills up fast
- Don't forget to take pictures
- It is best to visit During December - April
- Check out the Ranger Led Tours - You learn so much more and they are usually free!
I am not affiliated with the Everglade National Park, but here is a link to Shark Valley so you can do some research. They have bike rentals for a fee and a Tram Ride for a Fee. There is also an admission fee into the Everglades National Park.
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