6 Florida Bike Trails to Blaze This Summer
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Blaze the trails via bike this summer for some fresh air in the great outdoors and leisurely exploration of the many beautiful landscapes the sunshine state has to offer. Whether you are looking for easy, paved trails, beaches, forests or swamp, you’ll never get bored biking on one of these 6 unique Florida bike trails.
Amelia Island Trail, Fernandina Beach
Pack up the bikes and head to Florida’s wild and natural northeastern coastline for a scenic, mostly paved bike trail that meanders through sandy beaches, salt marshes and maritime forests. The 6.2 mile trail runs from Peters Point Beachfront Park to Amelia Island State Park, parallel to A1A. Part of the East Coast Greenway, there are plenty of stop offs along the way to enjoy the beach and explore the coastal wilderness.
Biscayne Trail, Miami
This south Florida trail begins at the southern terminus of the Old Cutler trail and runs south for 11 miles. Don’t be fooled as it takes bikers through neighborhoods at the start, because soon it will open up to beautiful, lush foliage and tropical fauna. The trail will end at the Black Point Park & Marina, or if you’re feeling spunky, continue on to the Black Creek Trail for a longer ride.
Blackwater Heritage State Trail, Milton
Travel northwest to the Florida panhandle where a spectacularly scenic paved trail cuts deep into the countryside in the small historic town of Milton. The 10 mile trail is equipped with rest stops and restrooms as it follows the route of the old Florida & Alabama Railroad, which was stopped in 1939. Take in the golden fields, canopy trees and forest critters along the way.
Boca Grande Bike Path, Gasparilla Island
Get your fill of island life and spend the day cruising throughout the beautiful Gasparilla Island. The 6.5 mile trail takes bikers along the length of this Gulf Coast barrier island, where beach stop offs for a salty dip and relaxation on one of the many blissful beaches is a must. Pass lush, tropical foliage and look out for iguanas and gopher tortoises. There are also plenty of restaurant stop offs for a quick bite.
Blountstown Greenway Bike Path, Blountstown
This is another panhandle gem, inviting bikers to enjoy a 3.4 trail that runs through thick pine forests, over gently rolling hills and into swampy lowlands towards the great Apalachicola River. Check out the Panhandle Pioneer Settlement located on the north end of the trail for a little bit of history that includes a rustic schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, grist mill and a museum.
Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, Port Charlotte
Trace the same line that once serviced Florida’s early phosphate industry, moving people, livestock and crops to steamships into Boca Grande. Straight and flat, this is a relatively easy trek that offers relaxation in a rural setting with little traffic interference. Restrooms and water are welcome stops at the northern end of the trail.
