Old Ingraham Highway Trail... Everglades National Park

Eco-biking on Historic Road

A section of Old Ingraham Highway, the original road to Flamingo in the 1920's, runs within Everglades National Park. To reach the old section, go about 2 miles past the Coe Visitor Center - take the road to the left leading to the Royal Palm Visitor Center. After 3/4 mile, turn right prior to the Royal Palm Center and continue straight past Research Rd. (which leads to the Historic Nike Missile Base). In brief, this is not a smooth ride, better suited for mountain bikes, and a difficult ride at best. For us, it's an historical feature (Map link and photos below.)

Overview Map... Loop Road Scenic Drive

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Location: Everglades National Park (See map)
Mileage: 11 miles
Surface: Dirt, gravel
Nearby Points of Interest: HM69 Nike Missile Base

Bike Shops/Rentals: N/A

Page Summary:

Eco-biking on Old Ingraham Highway Trail
- Access Road
- Old Ingraham Highway Trail
Nike Missile Exhibit
More Information and Resources

Eco-biking and Hiking on Old Ingraham Highway Trail... Comments and Photos

Access Road

The pavement ends, and it's about 1 mile to gate #15 where the Old Ingraham Highway Trail begins (bikers and hikers can get through, but not cars). Parking is along the side of the road. From here, the trail continues on the old highway roadbed.

There are no facilities along the trail, bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent - due to the mosquitoes, visiting in the cooler months is recommended. Wildlife includes many varieties of birds and waterfowl, alligators, and turtles.
The trail may be flooded in rainy season.

Access road - straight, pavement ends

Onto the prairie

Birds

At trail entry gate, parking

Old Ingraham Highway Trail

The first section past the gate is shaded and rough, then the trail opens onto the sawgrass prairie - no shade here. The old roadbed has some smoother spots, but still rocky with overgrown sections. The trail is bikeable on mountain bikes, but not enjoyable eco-biking for recreational bikers like us - hiking is a better option.
The trail runs 11 miles to where the old roadbed has been removed to restore the natural water flow - obstructed by construction of the road and canal, restoration efforts are ongoing.
There are two backcountry campsites, the Ernest Coe campsite (3.5 miles) and the Old Ingraham campsite (9.9 miles) - check at the visitor centers for permits and information.

Trailhead

Start at Gate 15

Nike Missile Site

The Nike Missile Base ("Alpha Battery") located on Research Road is a Cold War era relic. Developed in 1964 in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, it is one of 4 South Florida batteries built to shore up air defenses in the southern U.S.
Operating from 1964 to 1979 when it was turned over to the National Park Service, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
The base is open to visitors from December to April, with guided tours available. Several buildings, and the main attraction - a 41-foot long Nike missile housed in a surviving missile barn with interpretative displays and numerous artifacts.

More Information