Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Path

The Arthur R. Marshall Path via State Road 7 loop offers an immersive journey through the northern Everglades, where you'll cycle past vast sawgrass prairies, serene wetlands, and winding canals. While the terrain is largely flat with only 31 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, don't mistake it for an easy ride; the 69.3-mile (111.5 km) route is predominantly unpaved, featuring crushed gravel, shell rock, and hard-packed sand, making it a difficult 8-hour and 3-minute adventure.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration, as the trail offers almost no shade, necessitating ample water and sun protection. While entrance fees to the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge are waived for cyclists, you'll be sharing multi-use paths. Crucially, this route is generally unsuitable for traditional road bikes; a mountain, hybrid, or gravel bike is highly recommended for navigating the challenging surfaces comfortably.

This unique route within the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge provides an unparalleled opportunity for wildlife spotting, with chances to see alligators, turtles, deer, and a diverse array of bird species in their natural habitat. The flat, unpaved levee roads offer a distinct cycling experience, setting it apart from typical road cycling loops and providing a deep dive into Florida's iconic ecosystem.