Oleta River State Park

Mountain Biking in South Florida? In North Miami no less? We were skeptical too, with South Florida's high elevation somewhere in the vicinity of 20 feet. But barely a mile inland from the beautiful Miami beaches is a state park that practically revolves around "off-road" riding. We'll refrain from actually calling it mountain biking here due to the lack of actual mountains for almost a thousand miles in any direction.

More Photos >>

Oleta River's Trails are all directional, so you don't have to worry about running headfirst into some yahoo on a blind corner.

A bike washing station is the crowning touch on this Miami riding spot.

See how happy this guy is? You can be happy like him if you ride these trails.

What a great time you can have at Oleta River State Park, a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Miami. There’s a little more than 10 miles of trails winding tightly through this cypress and palm filled paradise, and its namesake river winds through as well. Several trails run alongside hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests, the same land the Tequesta Indians called home over 2000 years ago.

There aren't any spectacular downhills to speak of, but they make up for it with a few obstacles and hairpin turns that try to throw you off your line. Don't think for a moment that the flat terrain is forgiving though, or that this park is child’s play. I'm not an expert rider, but a few of the drops were above my huck level, and some of the sections are very rooty.

1 | 2 | Continue >>