This is for fellow cyclists considering riding the Levee. I rode the entire loop and then some: entered through the Atlantic Blvd trail head, went South, skipped Markham Park to my left and continued the loop west toward Hwy 27 (no longer need to actually get into highway 27 to continue heading North, you can stay in the path through a grassy area) then proceeded North toward the Sawgrass Recreation Park, and then back East toward Atlantic.
That loop is roughly 27 plus miles, not counting the distanced pedaled to get there if you choose to. Once I reached Atlantic I continued the trail North and exited at the Loxahatchee Everglades Airboat facility. That final stretch is approximately 8.7 miles. In summary 35.7 miles of Levee trails.
A few observations: although there are a few "smooth" sections, the trail is indeed rough. I was riding a flat handlebar, carbon framed, fitness bike with 700x38c tubeless tires, and due to the bumpy ride I kept dropping the tire pressures as I went further, down to 32 psi, far too low for my bike, as tire sealant started to seep out a little.
I would say this tire size, 700x38c, is the recommended bare minimum for enjoying this trail system, as anything smaller would require higher pressures with the consequential much bumpier ride.
I am sure mountain bikes will fare pretty well. Gravel bikes should work too. Road bikes with skinny tires I would not recommend at all.
Nothing technical about the trail, just a long and potentially bumpy ride (depending on your bicycle selection).
Not a speck of shade, thus enough water, sunblock and sunglasses are highly advised.
I know some people who have traveled this path at night. If you want to go for it don't do it alone, and make sure you have reliable lights, and back up lights too. The place is pitch black at night.
Best part, no cars!!!
The roughest section in my opinion was between Markham Park and Highway 27 (including a portion of the trail north of Markham Park).
The "smoothest" section I found it to be between the Atlantic Blvd trail-head and the Loxahatchee Everglades Airboat facility.
The trail does not stop there, it splits and continues north and west.
I definitely recommend riding at least a section of the levee, specially if you enjoy a moment of solitude. I hope with my review you won't go blindly.
It was a very enjoyable experience and I am looking forward to do it again...hopefully on a mountain bike next time. read more