The Everglades, sometimes called the "river of grass," is seasonally dominated by a shallow, slow-moving sheet of water that flows from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay. During the wet summer months, the vast grassy prairie acts both as a home to a tremendous variety of plants and animals and as a filter for the fresh water river. These clean waters ultimately supply and nourish the productive coastal estuaries further to the south.

Along the road are four artificial ponds. These "borrow pits" are areas where limestone has been quarried, crushed into gravel, and then used to raise the level of the tram road. In the winter months, when the sawgrass prairie is dry, the borrow pits serve as water holes that attract a variety of wildlife. Look for alligators, wading birds, anhingas, and turtles around these human-made "gator holes."

Dispersed throughout the Everglades are large tree islands called "tropical hardwood hammocks" and smaller shrubby islands known as "bayheads." The hammocks exist on limestone ridges rising a few feet above the seasonally wet sawgrass prairie. These higher elevation areas provide a flood-free environment with a thin layer of soil that can support a multitude of tropical and temperate zone vegetation. Bayhead communities also exist on ridges, but since the elevation change is less than that of a hammock environment, these ridges are periodically inundated by water. This results in an equally varied but different assemblage of plants. The Bobcat Boardwalk and the Otter Cave Hammock Trail, both near the Visitor Center, provide opportunities to explore bayhead and hammock communities.

Bicycling the road takes an average of 2 to 3 hours, but varies with physical stamina and personal interests. The parking lot closes at 6:00 p.m., so be sure to allow enough time.

If you do not have your own bicycle, one may be rented at the tram office. Rentals are available from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and must be returned by 4:00 p.m. For more information, call the Shark Valley Tram Office at 305-221-8455.

Wear a helmet. State law requires that children 16 and under wear helmets. Helmets may be purchased at the tram office.

Racing of bicycles is not allowed. Bicycles at high speeds endanger wildlife and other visitors. The speed limit on the road is 25 mph. Bicycles are subject to the same rules and laws as motor vehicles.

Be prepared for all weather conditions. In the summer months, thunderstorms can cause hazardous lightning and temperatures can range in the low to high 90s. Take plenty of water!

Travel opposite the flow of tram traffic. Bikes should start behind the Visitor Center and follow the straight West Road. All bikes must come to a complete stop and pull off to the right side when a tram approaches. Wait until the tram has completely passed to continue your trip.

Feeding or harassing any wildlife is illegal. It is dangerous for you and harmful for them.

The collection of any natural object, living or dead, is not permitted.

Roller skates, roller blades, skateboards and other similar devices, as well as private motorized vehicles, are not allowed on the Shark Valley tram road.

Applications for Special Use Permits can be obtained by calling 305-225-3004 or 305-221-8776. To request an application in writing, contact:

Fee Collection Supervisor
S.R. 42 - Shark Valley
Everglades National Park
Ochopee, FL 34141