BIKING IN FLORIDA
Florida’s biking trails are pathways to exercise, nature, wildlife and discovery. Get out there, and get rolling on your own Sunshine State cycling adventures.
With more than 150 multi-use trails and a climate that keeps riders pedaling year-round, Florida has become one of the best cycling destinations in the country. The state has backed that up with serious investment, committing $50 million annually through the SunTrails program to expand and connect its growing trail network. Whether you ride paved rail-trails, coastal paths or rugged singletrack, there is a route here worth your time.
The numbers tell the story. The Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail stretches roughly 250 miles from St. Petersburg on The Gulf to Titusville on the Atlantic, linking nine counties through some of the state's most scenic corridors. It is currently 88 percent complete and already rideable for long stretches. Down south, the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail features more than 90 linear miles of existing trail paved in segments along a planned 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West, crossing 23 of Henry Flagler's historic railroad bridges along the way. The Legacy Trail near Sarasota, Fla. offers over 20 miles of smooth pavement through gorgeous scenery. And the Pinellas Trail, a Rail-Trail Hall of Fame member, runs from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs, Fla. as part of the Coast-to-Coast route.
Mountain biking in Florida sounds like a contradiction. It is not. The Santos Trailhead near Ocala, Fla. sits on a former rock quarry and offers more than 80 miles of singletrack through the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Santos earned an IMBA Epic Ride designation, one of only a handful of trails in the entire Southeast to receive it. Alafia River State Park near Tampa, Fla., built on an old phosphate mine, delivers actual elevation changes, technical terrain and its own Epic designation. Both trail systems have options for beginners and experts alike.
For something more laid-back, Florida's beach bike towns are hard to beat. Sanibel Island has miles of trails winding through wildlife refuges and beachfront scenery. The communities along 30A in South Walton, Fla. are practically built for two wheels. Daytona Beach, Fla. lets you ride right on the sand.
The best months to ride are October through April, when temperatures are mild and humidity drops. But Florida's flat terrain and off-road trail network make cycling accessible for all skill levels, all year long.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BIKING IN FLORIDA
Q. What are the best bike trails in Florida?
A. Florida has some of the longest paved trails in the country. The Coast-to-Coast Trail runs roughly 250 miles across the state from St. Petersburg to Titusville. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail features more than 90 linear miles of existing trail paved in segments along a planned 106-mile corridor of island-hopping coastline from Key Largo to Key West. The Pinellas Trail covers 45 miles along The Gulf coast, and the Legacy Trail near Sarasota, Fla. offers 30 miles of smooth pavement. The Withlacoochee State Trail, at 47 miles, is one of the longest single paved rail-trails in the state. For a full interactive trail map, visit the Florida Greenways & Trails Foundation.
Q. Is Florida good for mountain biking?
A. Very. The Santos Trailhead near Ocala, Fla. has more than 80 miles of singletrack built on a former rock quarry, with trails ranging from beginner-friendly loops to expert-level technical terrain. Santos and Alafia River State Park near Tampa, Fla. both hold IMBA Epic Ride designations, putting them among the top trail systems in the Southeast. Balm Boyette Scrub Preserve near Brandon, Fla. adds another 25 miles of riding. Trail maps and conditions are available through the Ocala Mountain Bike Association and Florida State Parks.
Q. What are the bike helmet laws in Florida?
Q. Are e-bikes allowed on Florida bike trails?
A. Florida recognizes three classes of electric bicycles, all with motors under 750 watts. E-bikes are generally allowed anywhere traditional bicycles are permitted, including roads, bike lanes and multi-use paths. No license, registration or insurance is required. However, state parks, local governments and individual trail managers may restrict e-bike access, particularly on unpaved trails or in sensitive natural areas. Class 1 e-bikes (pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph) tend to have the widest access. Always check posted signage at trailheads. Current guidelines are available through Florida State Parks.
Q. When is the best time of year to bike in Florida?
A. October through April is the sweet spot. Temperatures are comfortable, humidity is lower and afternoon thunderstorms are far less common than in summer. That said, Florida is rideable year-round if you plan accordingly. During the warmer months (May through September), early morning rides before 10 a.m. are the way to go. Carry extra water, wear sun protection and watch for afternoon storms that tend to build quickly.
Q. Can you bike across Florida?
A. Yes. The Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail is a paved multi-use trail spanning roughly 250 miles from St. Petersburg on The Gulf to Titusville on the Atlantic coast. It is currently 88 percent complete, with a gap of about 30 miles remaining in the middle section. Strong riders complete it in four to five days. The trail connects portions of more than a dozen existing trails across nine counties. For detailed segment maps and status updates, visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Q. Where can I find Florida bike trail maps and planning resources?
Q. Can you bike in the Florida Keys?
A. The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail features more than 90 linear miles of existing trail paved in segments along a planned 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West, with more than 90 miles currently paved. The trail parallels U.S. Highway 1 and incorporates 23 historic Flagler Railroad bridges, offering views you simply cannot get from a car window. Popular sections for casual riders include Key Largo (20 continuous miles of trail), Grassy Key and Islamorada. Some sections require riding in a bike lane alongside traffic, so check conditions before planning a full end-to-end ride. Maps and current trail status are available from Florida State Parks and the East Coast Greenway, which designates the Keys trail as its southernmost segment.
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS
