Ride your Bike at Gulf Islands

Bicyclist on Fort Pickens Road

NPS Photo / Owens

Gulf Islands by Bike

Scenic views, winding roads, and smooth roads make Gulf Islands a relaxing and beautiful place to ride. Bicylists willing to wake up early may view a beautiful sunrise and even wildlife along the roads. The park also offers trails that snake through coastal pine ecosystems, through the campgrounds, and past the bay. Bicyclists should be extremely cautious and well-prepared, as many large RVs, trucks, and trailers utilize the park roads. Bicycling provides wonderful opportunities for visitors to experience nature and observe panoramic views at a more relaxed pace. 

Safety

Bicyclists must share the roads with vehicles and obey all traffic laws. Cyclists may not take up multiple lanes, so riding single-file in the shoulder is recommended. Most park roads have shoulders and are relatively wide, but bicyclists should take measures to stay safe, such as wearing bright and/or reflective clothing, using hand signals, and being aware of vehicles coming around the wide turns on the roads.

Ghost crabs are often seen at dusk and night time, and shorebirds and armadillos may be seen during the day. These animals frequently or stand in the road, so take caution to avoid them for the safety of yourself, your bicycle, and the animal. In addition to wildlife, cyclists should be wary of high traffic from the months of March through September. Holiday weekends, fee free days, and spring breaks are especially busy. We recommend cycling in the early morning for the least amount of crowds and heat.

Biking Roads within the Park: 

Fort Pickens Area: 5 miles
Fort Pickens Area to Santa Rosa Area (not within park): 9 miles
Santa Rosa Area: 7 miles
Davis Bayou Campground to Visitor Center: 1 mile
Johnson Beach Road entrance station to turnaround point: 4 miles

Biking Trails within the Park: 

Florida National Scenic Trail from Fort Pickens to Langdon Beach: 2 miles
Naval Live Oaks: Trail length varies, many are sandy and may not be suitable for road bikes. Others traverse hard-packed earth, but may be muddy with recent rain.

Details

Duration

30-180 Minutes

Activity

Biking

Ride your bicycle for miles up and down the scenic coastal roads of Gulf Islands.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Dogs are not allowed on any beaches within Gulf Islands National Seashore, or within the forts. Please keep this in mind as you choose a place to cycle.

Activity Fee

No

Entry fees may apply. See park Fees and Passes page for more information.

Location

Florida and Mississippi

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

All roads within Gulf Islands are paved, and any trails recommended for biking are made of hard-packed earth.