Biking from Ernest Coe to Flamingo Lodge: A Scenic Ride Through Everglades National Park
- Kelley D
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Biking from Ernest Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo Lodge is one of the most immersive ways to experience Everglades National Park. This long, flat, and wildly scenic route cuts straight through the heart of the park, offering uninterrupted views of pinelands, sawgrass prairie, and Florida Bay.
A few years ago, I biked short loops around the Flamingo area when it was still in its rebuilding phase. Today, Flamingo feels like a tiny outpost village at the edge of the world, complete with a brand-new lodge, waterfront restaurant, and improved bike connectivity.
But the real adventure—the one that keeps calling me back—is the full ride from Ernest Coe to Flamingo. At roughly 38–39 miles one way, it looks simple on a map, but it demands preparation, patience, and respect for the environment.
If you’re dreaming about pedaling through the Everglades, here’s everything you need to know.
Parking, Entry, and Fees
You’ll enter Everglades National Park at Ernest Coe Visitor Center, the main entrance near Homestead, Florida.
Park entry fee: Charged per vehicle, typically $20–$35 depending on pass type
Parking: Free and plentiful at both Ernest Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo Visitor Center
The Route: Main Park Road (Start to Finish)
The entire ride follows Main Park Road, the only paved road connecting Ernest Coe to Flamingo.
What to expect:
Two-lane paved road
Almost completely flat
No shoulder in many sections
No services between Coe and Flamingo
No water refills
Spotty or nonexistent cell service
No bathrooms for nearly 40 miles
This is a true wilderness road, despite being paved.
Road Conditions
Sharing the road with cars and park vehicles
Smooth pavement overall
Occasional debris from storms or wildlife
Long, exposed stretches with little to no shade
Light to moderate traffic depending on season and time of day
Points of Interest Along the Ride
Ernest Coe Visitor Center – A beautiful starting point for the ride, surrounded by native landscaping, shaded walkways, and sweeping views that offer a calm introduction to the Everglades.
Pinelands – Tall slash pines, bright green understory, and a quiet, cathedral-like atmosphere that makes you feel immersed in the wilderness.
Sawgrass Prairie – The iconic “River of Grass”—vast, open, and shimmering in the wind, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Mahogany Hammock & Pa-Hay-Okee – Short boardwalk trails worth stopping for. Lock your bike and explore shaded hardwood hammocks or take in panoramic prairie views.
Florida Bay (near Flamingo) – As you approach Flamingo, the air grows saltier and breezier, signaling that you’ve reached the edge of the continent.
Wildlife You May See
The Everglades is alive at every mile.
Along the route:
Alligators sunning near culverts
Wading birds hunting in roadside pools
Turtles crossing the pavement
Hawks and vultures riding thermals
Deer or the occasional bobcat in pinelands
In Flamingo:
Manatees in the marina
American crocodiles near boat ramps
Pelicans, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills
Always observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals.
What to Bring
This is a long, remote ride with zero services so plan ahead.
3–4 liters of water minimum
Snacks or a full lunch
Electrolytes
Sunscreen and a hat
Bug spray (mosquitoes can be intense near Flamingo)
Bike repair kit (tubes, pump, multi-tool)
Front and rear lights if riding near dawn or dusk
Offline map or GPS navigation
Safety & Preparation
Heat & Sun: Even in winter, sun exposure is relentless. There is very little shade. Start early and pace yourself.
No Services: Once you leave Ernest Coe, there is nowhere to refill water, buy food, or seek help until Flamingo.
Traffic Awareness: Ride predictably, use lights, and stay alert—especially where there is no shoulder.
Wildlife Caution: Alligators, crocodiles, and snakes are common. Stay on the road, don’t approach animals, and watch where you stop.
Weather: Sudden storms are common. Check the forecast and avoid riding during lightning or high winds.
Tell Someone Your Plan: Cell service is unreliable. Let someone know your route and expected return time.
Where to Stay
Near Ernest Coe
Long Pine Key Campground – Rustic, quiet, and close to trailheads
Homestead hotels – Practical option for a solid night’s sleep before the ride
In Flamingo
Flamingo Lodge – Newly rebuilt, modern, and right on the water
Flamingo Campground – Tent and RV sites with stunning night skies
Other Bike Trails in This Area
Guy Bradley Trail (0.6 miles) – Paved connector around Flamingo
Rowdy Bend Trail (5.2 miles round trip) – Overgrown, quiet, great for birding
Snake Bight Trail (3.2 miles round trip) – Ends at a boardwalk overlook
Long Pine Key Trail (14 miles round trip) – Dirt trail through pinelands near Ernest Coe
Best Time to Visit
Winter is the best season for long rides in Everglades National Park. Temperatures are milder, mosquitoes are fewer, and conditions are far more manageable than summer.
Flamingo Activities
Once you reach Flamingo, there’s plenty to explore beyond the bike ride. You can stroll along the marina and spot manatees, pelicans, and other wildlife, or take a short walk on nearby boardwalks for birdwatching and scenic views. At Flamingo Marina, daily boat tours of Florida Bay and the Everglades backcountry offer close‑up views of birds, dolphins, and coastal ecosystems while naturalists share local history and ecology. Guided options and rentals like canoes, kayaks, skiffs, and pontoon boats are available for exploring nearby waterways at your own pace, making it easy to get out on the water without bringing your own gear. You can also relax with food and drinks at Flamingo Lodge’s waterfront restaurant or enjoy the night sky from the campground—making Flamingo a rewarding destination after a long day of pedaling.
Why This Ride is Unforgettable
Biking from Ernest Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo Lodge isn’t just a workout—it’s a deep, slow immersion into one of the most unique ecosystems in North America. With the right preparation, it’s a captivating way to experience the Everglades, mile by quiet mile.
If you respect the distance, the heat, and the wilderness, this ride will stay with you forever.
Quick Snapshot: Ernest Coe to Flamingo Lodge
Region: South Florida
Distance: 38–39 miles one way
Price: $20-35 for Park Entry. Does not include overnight stays.
Skill Level: Intermediate – some road-sharing, long distance, wilderness awareness
Fitness: Moderate to high
Time Needed: Full day for a round trip; one way with stops: 3-4hours
What to Bring:
Bring 3–4 liters of water (no refill stations between Visitor Centers)
Snacks/Lunch
Bike Repair Kit
Mosquito Repellent
Sun Screen
Safety Lights
Offline Map or GPS
Dog Friendly: No
40001 State Hwy 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
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