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Latest update: December 2022

Conservation Levee Greenway, South FL Eco-biking...

27-Mile Eco-trail Loop in Broward County

Within the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area, and part of Broward County's Greenways system, Conservation Levee Greenway is a 27-mile loop on gravel and stone, popular for biking, hiking, fishing, and sunset viewing. Circling Water Conservation Area 2A, there are three access points: the Sawgrass Trailhead at Atlantic Blvd. in Coral Springs (east, the main trailhead), at Markham Park off the New River Greenway in Sunrise (south), and Sawgrass Recreation Park off US 27 in Weston (west).

Overview Map... Conservation Levee Greenway

Location: Broward County (See map)
Mileage: 27 mile loop, 9 mile leg to Loxahatchee NWR
Surface: Dirt, gravel
Nearby points of interest: The Everglades, Markham Park

Bike Shops/Rentals:  N/A

 Page Summary:

1. Eco-biking on the Conservation Levee Greenway
2. Sawgrass Trailhead
3. Markham Park
4. Sawgrass Recreation Park
5. More Information and Resources

Eco-biking on the Conservation Levee Greenway... Comments and Photos

Best for fat tires or mountain bikes, the surface is flat with gravel and some larger stones (keep alert). The scenery is pretty much the same, canal and wildlife management area. The levee runs almost exclusively parallel to major highways, so road noise is a constant except for the northern side (Sawgrass Trailhead to Sawgrass Recreation Park, 10 miles). There is no shade, bring sunscreen, water, and bug spray. Many gators, birds, great sunsets.

Sawgrass Trailhead

We visited the levee at the Sawgrass Trailhead. From W. Atlantic Blvd. in Coral Springs, go under the Sawgrass Expressway and then along an access road about 1/4 mile to the trailhead (parking but no other facilities). Southbound, the levee runs to Markham Park. Northbound, a 9-mile leg goes to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. These sections parallel the Sawgrass Expressway and we found them noisy. Heading west toward Sawgrass Recreation Park, the levee runs into the Everglades - remote and quiet. We biked a short way, but not far enough to fully escape the road sounds.

Sawgrass Trailhead

Sawgrass Trailhead

 

To the levee

 

 

On the Levee

Onto levee - northbound

Onto levee - southbound

Canal, water control

Turn right to levee westbound

Levee- westbound

 

 

Typical surface

Markham Park

Markham Park in Sunrise serves as a trailhead for both the Conservation Levee Greenway and New River Greenway (link below). Starting from Markham Park and going west, the New River Greenway extends about one-half mile to a water control facility and the Conservation Levee Greenway. Cross the canal and ride up to the levee. The levee northbound toward Sawgrass Trailhead starts adjacent to Markham Park (if you hear gunshots, it's the Markham Park Shooting Range), and then continues parallel to the Sawgrass Expressway. The levee runs south about 1/10 mile, then turns west paralleling I-75. In another 4.75 miles, it turns north and continues parallel to US 27 to Sawgrass Recreation Park. The path like most was gravel and stone, best rideable on fat tires or mountain bikes. Mostly roadside, noisy. Look the other way for scenic vistas.

Markham Park includes parking, restrooms, and picnicking. The 600+-acre park has activities for just about everyone, with bikeable park roads and more than 10 miles of mountain bike trails. A small fee is charged on weekends and holidays.
More about Markham Park

Markham Park to Conservation Levee

To Markham Park

Trail to levee from Markham Park

 

 

Approaching levee access

 

Up onto the levee

On the Levee

Levee - northbound

Levee - southbound

Vista

Turning west

Westbound

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park is privately owned recreation park, best known for airboat rides. Originally a fish camp, today the park provides parking, restrooms, wildlife exhibits, cafe, gift shop. Ample free parking, ride onto the levee from two access points. Southbound, it follows US 27. Northbound, it offers a more quiet ride, turning into the Everglades and then east to Sawgrass Trailhead. The surface is consistent with the rest, gravel and stone, bumpy and rough in spots. Here we show the levee northbound (into the Everglades).
More about Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Sawgrass Recreation Park

Airboat Rides

 

Cafe

Wildlife exhibits

Parking

On the Levee

Onto the levee northbound

On the levee

 

Vista

More Information and Resources

Nearby Biking:

Cypress Creek Greenway
New River Greenway

Related Resources:

Florida FWC - Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area
Broward County - Greenways