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Reported: December 2022

New River Greenway... South FL Biking

Paved Bike Trail Beside Canals from Everglades into Town

New River Greenway is part of Broward County's Greenways system. It follows the New River, which is actually a series of canals connecting to The Everglades, Intracoastal Waterway, and Atlantic Ocean. The western section of the greenway runs 7.5 miles starting at Markham Park at the edge of The Everglades in Sunrise to SR 817 in Plantation. Another unconnected section to the east runs 3.5 miles from Davie to Dania Beach. The greenway is mostly unshaded - covered benches are provided, but hat, water and sunscreen are recommended. Markham Park with its trails and many facilities is a bonus. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link... New River Greenway

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Location: Broward County
End Points: Markham Park (Sunrise) to SR 817 (Plantation). Sewell Lock (Davie) to Secret Woods Nature Center (Dania Beach).
Mileage: 11 miles in two unconnected sections
Surface: Asphalt, concrete
Nearby points of interest: The Everglades, Markham Park

Bike Shops/Rentals:
BIKEBOX Rentals - Markham Park (rentals, repair)

Page Summary:

Biking on New River Greenway
New River Greenway - Eastbound from Markham Park
- Markham Park to Sawgrass Expy.
- Sawgrass Expy. to International Pkwy.
Connector to Conservation Levee Greenway

Markham Park
More Information and Resources

Biking on New River Greenway... Comments and Photos

We visited the western section starting from Markham Park. The paved trail here is an easy ride, with nice landscaping, benches, and abundant wildlife (waterbirds, turtles, iguanas) along the canal. We did not visit the eastern section, which runs closely adjacent to SR 84, ending at Secret Woods Nature Center in Dania Beach. The downside is multiple busy and sometimes dangerous road crossings. There are crossing lights at the major intersections, but drivers are not always alert to bikes. Bike/pedestrian bridges are planned and hopefully funding can be secured in the future.

New River Greenway - Eastbound from Markham Park

Starting from Markham Park and going east, the New River Greenway runs on the north side of the New River Canal, abutting Markham Park, for about 1.25 miles where it leaves the park and runs under the Sawgrass Expressway. From here, the Greenway continues on the north side of the canal to SR 817 (N. University Dr.). SR 84 and I-595 (Port Everglades Expy.) lie across the canal to the south and can be noisy - more or less so depending on wind direction. On the north side, a wide buffer and vegetation separate the greenway from surrounding businesses and neighborhoods. Food and beverage are available near some intersections, as well as neighborhood access.

We stopped at International Pkwy. This is a less traveled road, but with no traffic signals, care should be taken when crossing.

Markham Park to Sawgrass Expy.

Onto Greenway at Markham Park

Approaching south boat ramp

Covered bench

Passing R/C Truck Crawler Course

Passing R/C Airfield

Approaching Sawgrass Expy.

Sawgrass Expy. to International Pkwy.

Under Sawgrass Expy.

Along the Greenway

Approaching International Pkwy.

Crossing International Pkwy.

Connector to Conservation Levee Greenway

Starting from Markham Park and going west, the New River Greenway runs about one-half mile to the Conservation Levee Greenway (link below), a 27-mile loop within the Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. SR 84 and I-75 (Alligator Alley) run on the south side of the canal here.

Westbound from Markham Park

On New River Greenway

Approaching levee access

Up to the levee

Markham Park

Markham Park in Sunrise is a South Florida gem, with something for everyone. The 600+-acre park has restrooms, picnicking, playground, more than 10 miles of mountain bike trails, jogging and nature trails, fishing and boating, campgrounds, observatory, and Barkham Park dog park. There are all types of sporting fields, disc golf, R/C airplane field, R/C truck crawler course, an outdoor rifle and pistol range, skeet and trap, and archery range. A small park entrance fee is charged on weekends and holidays. The park roads (5+ miles) are open to bicycles, but are shared with vehicles. A pass, fee and signed waiver are required for the mountain bike trails.