Everglades, Miami Area Eco-biking Trails...

Unpaved Biking, Hiking on Historic Roads

These old roads provide some (limited) biking but a lot of history: Loop Road was mapped during a dispute over the route of the original Tamiami Trail, and Old Ingraham Highway was the original road to Flamingo.

Scroll down or use the links below for eco-biking on Historic Roads in or near Everglades National Park...

Loop Road Scenic Drive
Old Ingraham Highway

Overview Map... Everglades Eco-biking

View Larger Map

Loop Road Scenic Drive

Loop Road (CR 94) is a 24-mile road, 4 miles west of Shark Valley, paralleling the Tamiami Trail (US 41) in the Big Cypress National Preserve. The road starts and ends along US 41, to the east at 40 Mile Bend (because it's 40 miles from Miami), and to the west at Monroe Station (4 miles west of the Oasis Visitor Center). Loop Road is paved for 7 miles at the eastern end, and for a short distance at the west. The rest is unpaved and bumpy, bikeable (fat tires recommended), but it's a long, often rough ride. Shared with motor vehicles, you may want to drive - generally, 1.5 to 3 hours depending on how many stops you make to take in the views. This is a top eco-route - the scenery is unmatched! Watch the birds in the brush and the otters cavorting in the ponds - and the alligators!

Location: Big Cypress National Preserve; Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties (See map)
Mileage: 24 miles
Surface: Partially paved at the ends, dirt, gravel
Nearby Points of Interest: Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery, Miccosukee Indian Village

More Information: National Park Service-Big Cypress - Loop Road Scenic Drive

Along the Road

Starting from the east on the paved road are private homes of members of the Miccosukee Tribe, be respectful of their privacy. The paved section ends at the Loop Road Education Center and continues unpaved for the remainder until near the western end at Tamiami Trail. The best wildlife viewing is generally at the culverts, also good for fishing. Several hiking paths, including the very end of the Florida National Scenic Trail, are along the road. Be prepared to wade on most, especially during rainy season. The Gator Hook Trailhead near the western end has a welcome restroom and picnic tables.

** CLICK FOR FULL DETAILS AND MORE PHOTOS **

Loop Road Scenic Drive

Paved road, leaving Tamiami Trail

Cypress

At a culvert

To a campground

Ed Center - pavement ends

Unpaved road

Gator hole - at culvert

End of the Florida Trail

Birds in the cypress

Gator Hook Trailhead

Back to Tamiami Trail

Wildlife

Old Ingraham Highway

Located within Everglades National Park, 2 miles past the Coe Visitor Center (take the road leading to the Royal Palm Visitor Center). After 3/4 mile, turn right (prior to the Visitor Center) and continue past the road leading to a Nike missile exhibit, until the road ends at an entrance gate (bikes can get through, but not cars). Parking is along the side of the road. From here, a 100 yard path merges into the old highway roadbed - the original road to Flamingo in the 1920's.

Location: Everglades National Park (See map)
Mileage: 11 miles
Surface: Dirt, gravel

More Information: Everglades National Park - Historic Roads

Old Ingraham Highway

The trail runs 11 miles to where the old roadbed has been removed to restore the natural water flow. The old roadbed is extremely rutted, overgrown in places, and no facilities. Listed as a bike trail in Park literature, but in all reality when we last checked, the condition of the roadbed made it more suitable for hiking rather than biking (a pity - we only rode a short distance). Two backcountry campsites are listed here, the Ernest Coe campsite (3.5 miles) and the Old Ingraham campsite (9.9 miles) - check at the visitor centers for permits and information.