Last updated: November 30, 2023
Thing to Do
Biking at Shark Valley
NPS Photo/ A Sanchez
Explore the everglades by biking the 15-mile (24 km) Shark Valley Tram Road where you can experience the wide array of wildlife, diverse freshwater ecosystems, and get a unique view of the Everglades!
Biking is a great activity to experience all that Shark Valley has to offer. Along the trail you can experience some of the biodiversity that lead to the creation of Everglades National Park. You may view many types of wildlife like alligators, birds and fish. See unique habitats like the freshwater slough, sawgrass prairie and hardwood hammocks. Get some exercise biking the 15 mile (24 km) road and enjoy the sweeping views over this “River of Grass” from the Shark Valley Observation Tower.
Bikers should plan for at least 2-4 hours to bike the entire loop. Conditions can often be very hot and humid. Bikers should be prepared with adequate drinking water as none may be available along the way. Lightning strikes are common in Florida rainstorms, particularly during the wetter summer months. Bikers should always check weather conditions before beginning their trip.
Biking is a great activity to experience all that Shark Valley has to offer. Along the trail you can experience some of the biodiversity that lead to the creation of Everglades National Park. You may view many types of wildlife like alligators, birds and fish. See unique habitats like the freshwater slough, sawgrass prairie and hardwood hammocks. Get some exercise biking the 15 mile (24 km) road and enjoy the sweeping views over this “River of Grass” from the Shark Valley Observation Tower.
Bikers should plan for at least 2-4 hours to bike the entire loop. Conditions can often be very hot and humid. Bikers should be prepared with adequate drinking water as none may be available along the way. Lightning strikes are common in Florida rainstorms, particularly during the wetter summer months. Bikers should always check weather conditions before beginning their trip.
Details
Duration
2-6 Hours
Bikers should allow for at least 2-3 hours to bike the entire 15 mile (24 km) loop. Wildlife viewing and a stop at the Shark Valley observation tower can add additional time to any biker's trip.
Activity
Biking
Explore the everglades by biking the 15-mile (24 km) Shark Valley Tram Road where you can experience the wide array of wildlife, diverse freshwater ecosystems, and get a unique view of the Everglades!
Pets Allowed
No
Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed on the Shark Valley Tram Road
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Bicycle rentals are $25 per bike and more information can be found here
Bicycle rentals are $25 per bike and more information can be found here
Location
Shark Valley Tram Road
The entrance gate at Shark Valley is open from 8:30am to 6:00pm daily. Visitors are allowed to bike at Shark Valley at any time of day. If you will be arriving or departing before or after the hours that the entrance gate is open, you will need to park along Highway 41 and enter the park on foot or by bicycle.
Biking at Shark Valley starts from the Shark Valley Visitor Center. It is recommended to bike the Shark Valley Tram Road in a counterclockwise direction, starting from the west side of the parking area. The long strait road follows a canal south for 7 miles and leads to the Shark Valley observation tower.. Wildlife can be abundant during the dryer winter months. Be careful to give alligators space along the roadway.
The 8 mile winding loop from the tower back to the visitor center provides wide vistas, and opportunity to see animals in the 'borrow pit' lakes along the way.
Biking at Shark Valley starts from the Shark Valley Visitor Center. It is recommended to bike the Shark Valley Tram Road in a counterclockwise direction, starting from the west side of the parking area. The long strait road follows a canal south for 7 miles and leads to the Shark Valley observation tower.. Wildlife can be abundant during the dryer winter months. Be careful to give alligators space along the roadway.
The 8 mile winding loop from the tower back to the visitor center provides wide vistas, and opportunity to see animals in the 'borrow pit' lakes along the way.
Reservations
No
If you are bringing your own bicycle, reservations are not required. Reservations for bike rentals are recommended for the winter months, particularly on weekends.
Reservations for bicycle rentals can be made online here or are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Shark Valley Tram Tours.
Reservations for bicycle rentals can be made online here or are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Shark Valley Tram Tours.
Season
Year Round
Weather in the spring, summer and fall can be very hot and there is no shade available along the path. Make sure to use sun protection and bring water.
Time of Day
Any Time
The entrance gate at Shark Valley is open from 8:30am to 6:00pm daily. It is allowed to bike at Shark Valley at any time of day. If you will be arriving or departing before or after the hours that the entrance gate is open, you will need to park along Highway 41 and enter the park on foot or by bicycle
Accessibility Information
The Shark Valley Tram Road is a 15-mile (24 km) paved road that is flat and free of rough terrain. The road is approximately 8 feet wide. It is suitable for any type of bicycle.
Electronic Bikes (E-Bikes) are allowed at Shark Valley. The term “E-bike” means a two- or three- wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower). Speed limit is 15 miles per hour on the Shark Valley Tram Road. Fully electric (no pedaling required) bicycles are only permitted on public roadways, the same as vehicles.
Pets, other than service animals, are not allowed on the Shark Valley Tram Road