If you enjoy bicycling, you're not alone. Approximately 27 percent of the population ages 16 and up ride bicycles, and Plantation residents are no exception. With an abundance of city parks and wide open roads, Plantation is the perfect spot to go for a leisurely ride. If you're looking for a longer and more satisfying ride, check out the best free and cheap bike trails near you, according to a Plantation chiropractor.
What Are the Benefits of Biking?
While bicycling may be a greener method of transportation, it's also a fun, healthy, and low-impact form of exercise ideal for all ages. Not to mention, cycling is easy to fit into your daily routine, as you can swap out a car ride to work, school, the store, or the park with a bike ride.
In addition to being a good muscle workout, biking also increases stamina, strength, and aerobic fitness. Cycling causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise, and unlike many other sports, riding a bike doesn't require high levels of physical skill.
Health benefits of regular cycling include:
- Strengthened bones
- Decreased stress levels
- Improved joint mobility
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Improved posture and coordination
- Increased muscle strength and flexibility
Free and Cheap Bike Trails Near Me
Anyone who rides frequently will tell you, not all bike trails are made the same. Poor paving, limited space, or a track overgrown with grass or other greenery could pose potential risks for cyclists. Searches for "bike trails near me" can be frustrating, because there's no way of telling what condition the track itself is in. Well, many of the staff at ChiroCare of Plantation are cyclists, and we're here to let you know which are worth your time.
1. Rae Carole Armstrong Liberty Tree Park
Located at 7421 NW 5th Street, Rae Carole Armstrong Liberty Tree Park is a hotspot for plenty of Plantation residents. Typically referred to as just Liberty Tree Park by locals, the park totals 9.28 acres. An expansion in the mid-2000s included a brick paver pathway, exercise equipment, picnic shelters, and updated restrooms. Other onsite amenities include a walking, jogging, and biking path.
Liberty Tree Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a bike ride. Go for a relaxing and refreshing ride, surrounded by lush greenery. Stop for a quick workout on one of the path's exercise stations, or catch your breath and stretch on one of the benches overlooking the park's expanse.
Liberty Tree Park is open 7-days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is free to enter.
2. Central Park Multi-Purpose Center
As its name suggests, Central Park Multi-Purpose Center is a hub of activity. The inside of the facility holds a basketball court, exercise room, game room, and several classrooms. Outside, the center holds two Olympic-size pools, a hydro-play area, more basketball courts and an exercise room, roller hockey rinks, sports fields, a playground area, and of course, a paved walking, jogging, and biking track.
People love the bike trail at Central Park because of its smooth, even surface. A paved trail among so many other amenities allows for a day full of activity. Plus, the trail is ideal for novice or children riders. The unobstructed and scenic path is perfect for a family bike ride.
Located at 9151 NW 2nd St., Central Park Multi-Purpose Center is open 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to enter.
3. Plantation Heritage Park
Make your bike ride a day to remember at Plantation Heritage Park. Popular among walkers, bikers, and families searching for a special picnic spot, Heritage Park has something for everyone. Located at 1100 S. Fig Tree Ln., the park features a large gazebo, marina, fishing, disc golf, and a playground for the kids. Plus, the ecologically diverse Anne Kolb Nature Center with a nature trail and grove of rare tropical fruit trees delights the senses.
But of course, we wouldn't be mentioning Heritage Park if it didn't have something for the cyclists. A paved biking and jogging path sets the course for a smooth and scenic bike ride through the park. With plenty to see and do, this bike trail is worth trying out.
Plantation Heritage Park is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day, though there is a $1.50 gate fee per person during the weekend and holidays. Children under 5 are always allowed in for free.
4. Markham Park & Target Range
If you thought there wasn't anywhere to mountain bike in South Florida, you'll be surprised to learn you're wrong. A quick drive west will take you to Markham Park, which is settled right at the edge of the Everglades. This expansive, diverse park is packed with amenities including a campground, observatory, model airplane field, fitness facility, butterfly garden, and more. For our furry friends, there's a dedicated dog park.
However, the most exciting aspect of Markham Park is the adaptive mountain bike trail. Switch up your typical ride for an invigorating and exhilarating ride full of twists and turns. Or, if you're feeling a bit more chill, the paved jogging and biking trail is still a beautiful ride.
Markham Park is located at 16001 W. State Rd. 84 and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Much like Heritage Park, there is a $1.50 gate fee per person during the weekend and holidays but children under 5 are always allowed in for free.
5. Vista View Park
The panoramic sights at Vista View Park give the location its name. Perched 65 feet above sea level, the park's hilltop is the highest man-made elevation in all of Broward County. But, that's not the only reason why people flock to it constantly. An equestrian trail, fishing spot, airfield, and paragliding opportunities make an exciting spot for a afternoon of fun.
Competitive bicyclists favor the biking trail at Vista View Park. In fact, the park is the home of June's Miami Master's Cycling Race. A smooth ride with excellent sights, bicyclists of all levels and ages are welcome to enjoy the trail.
A short drive out of Plantation, Vista View Park is located at 4001 S.W. 142nd Ave., and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is pet-friendly and free on weekdays, but charges $1.50 per person on weekends and holidays, though children under 5 are always in for free.
The trails are calling – will you answer? Check out one of these free and cheap bike trails in Plantation today.
