Get Shreddy at Virginia Key Mountain Bike Trail
The Virginia Key North Point Trails offer a unique and exciting mountain biking experience in the heart of Miami, Florida. With 10 miles of trails, riders can explore a variety of terrain, including hills and scenic coastal views. The trails are designed for mountain biking (MTB) and are based on International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) standards, ensuring a safe and predictable experience for all users. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Virginia Key trails provide an adventure that combines the thrill of mountain biking with the beauty of Miami’s coastal landscape.
Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park in Miami, FL is a rare chance to ride legit singletrack on an island, with sandy sections, wooden features, and technical obstacles paired with unreal coastal scenery. The North Point network is built for all levels—greens for beginners, blues for intermediates, and black diamonds that get spicy with tight switchbacks, rockier bits, and short, punchy climbs. A main loop makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and the trails wind through mangroves and along Biscayne Bay with bermy turns and fun descents. It’s well-marked and maintained, with rentals at the trailhead—and when you’re done riding, you’re basically steps from the beach.
Your Guide To Virginia Key North Point
VIDEO: Tackling Techy Sections: Virginia Key MTB
Riding Virginia Key Trail – This Place is Fun!
Ever wanted to mountain bike on an island? Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park in Miami, FL is the perfect place to do it. With sandy paths, wooden stunts, and technical obstacles, these trails deliver both an adrenaline rush and stunning South Florida coastal views. Miami may not be the first place you think of for mountain biking, but this hidden gem will surprise you.
Virginia Key North Point offers trails for all skill levels. Green trails are great for beginners, blue trails challenge intermediate riders, and black diamond trails push experienced riders with tight switchbacks, rocky sections, and steep climbs. Trail names like “Bad to the Bone” and “Highway to Hell” add character, while wooden features, skinnies, and rock gardens keep the ride playful and exciting.
The main trail loops around the entire system, making it easy to explore each section at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back cruise or a high-intensity workout, the trail network offers something for everyone.
Winding through lush mangrove forests and along the shores of Biscayne Bay, the singletrack terrain features flowing banked turns, switchbacks, and thrilling descents. Trails are well-marked and maintained, with a rental facility at the trailhead offering high-quality bikes, protective gear, and helpful staff to get you set up. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a newcomer, Virginia Key delivers a dynamic and unforgettable mountain biking experience.
The Virginia Key Mountain Bike Park is an excellent trail system for mountain bikers. And don’t forget your swimsuit because can walk or ride to some beautiful South Florida beaches that surround you.
Here are some links to trails in the Miami Area: Amelia Earheart Park, Oleta State River Park, Markham Park
What Riders Are Saying About Virginia Key MTB (North Point)
- “Wait… this is an island?” The biggest reaction is how wild it feels to be riding legit singletrack with ocean/skyline vibes right there.
- Packed with features for South Florida: riders talk up the wooden ramps/bridges, skinnies, and built elements—it rides more like a mini bike park than a “flat Florida loop.”
- Good mix of difficulty: lots of chatter about being able to start mellow and then level up into blues/blacks with tighter turns and more technical punch.
- Flowy, turny, and constantly engaging: people describe it as a ride where you’re always cornering, pumping, and linking little sections, not just grinding straight lines.
- Conditions can be “Florida-real”: heat/humidity comes up a lot, and riders sometimes mention sandier patches and the occasional bug/mosquito factor depending on the day.
- Popular + can feel busy: it’s a well-loved spot, so riders mention bike traffic and suggest going early for the cleanest laps.
- Volunteer-built and maintained: riders appreciate that the trails are kept up by an active local community.
- Rentals make it easy: visitors often call out how convenient it is to show up without a bike and still get a proper ride in.
Notable trails at Virginia Key (North Point)
- Tom Sawyer — A go-to “fun lap” trail: twisty, playful, and a solid way to get a feel for the system.
- Yellow Brick Road — One of the friendlier, flow-forward picks that’s great for warming up and stacking smooth miles.
- Smoke On Water — A signature Virginia Key vibe trail—riding close to the water with that scenic, “how is this Miami?” feel.
- Bad To The Bone — A named classic that riders seek out when they want something more challenging and feature-y.
- Highway To Hell — The headline black-diamond line people talk about most—short, intense, and loaded with wood features.
- Another One Bites The Dust — A tougher option that’s usually mentioned in the same breath as the “spicier” lines.
- Stairway To Heaven — The name says it: punchy, more advanced-feeling, and a common “let’s go hit that one” callout.
- War Pigs — A harder segment riders tag when they’re linking the advanced stuff together.
- Purple Haze — A more challenging trail that gets name-dropped as a step up from the mellow loops.
- Enter Sandman — A memorable mid-to-harder segment—usually referenced when people talk about the system’s “Florida flavor.”
Virginia Key Bicycle Club: A Trail-Building Legacy
Fast forward to the present and Virginia Key is now home to some of South Florida’s best mountain bike trails. Over a decade ago, Bernard “Frenchy” Riviere spearheaded the creation of these trails. What began as a modest group of riders has grown into the Virginia Key Bicycle Club (VKBC), a thriving community with over 450 members.
Since 2012, VKBC volunteers—alongside the City of Miami—have logged more than 32,000 hours building and maintaining the trails at Virginia Key and North Point. Their efforts ensure that the trails remain in top condition and accessible to riders of all levels.
Join the Community
VKBC isn’t just about trail work—it’s about riding together. Members enjoy night rides, bike shop discounts, and a calendar of community events. The club welcomes all riders to volunteer, pitch in on trail days, and help shape the future of Virginia Key’s riding scene.
Joining VKBC means becoming part of a passionate crew that believes in both giving back and getting rad. It’s a chance to support the trails while honoring the land’s powerful history and natural beauty.
Virginia Key Historical Significance
Virginia Key North Point, located on Virginia Key in Miami, Florida, holds a significant place in the history of civil rights and continues to serve as a hub for outdoor recreation and cultural preservation. In the era of segregation, African Americans were denied access to most public beaches in Miami-Dade County. This exclusion led to a pivotal civil rights protest on May 9, 1945, known as a “wade-in,” where a group of African American activists entered the whites-only Haulover Beach to challenge racial discrimination. This peaceful demonstration prompted local authorities to designate a portion of Virginia Key as a “colored-only” beach, officially opening on August 1, 1945.
Other things to do at Virginia Key (besides MTB)
- Beach day stuff: swim, sunbathe, and post up for a lazy shoreline hang
- Picnic + BBQ: bring food and claim a spot (grills are available at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park)
- Kayak / paddleboard (rentals on-site): cruise the lagoon/Biscayne Bay, explore mangrove edges, or just float and vibe
- Guided water tours + lessons: eco-style paddles, skills lessons, and themed outings (sunset/full moon, etc.)
- Kayak fishing: a popular “do something different” option on the bay side
- Walking/jogging: mellow paths and park roads that are perfect for an easy stroll or run
- Wildlife watching: manatees, dolphins, wading birds—people regularly spot them on the water
- Events at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: beach cleanups, festivals, tours, and community days
Plan Your Visit
Planning a trip to the Virginia Key North Point Trails is simple. Located on Virginia Key just off the Rickenbacker Causeway, the trails are easy to access by car or bike. Designated parking is available near the entrance, and from there it’s just a short ride or walk to the trail system.
One of the best parts about riding here? The beach is right there. You can pedal or stroll directly from the trails to the shoreline in just a few minutes. It’s the perfect setup for rinsing off, catching some sun, or jumping in the ocean after a ride. Pack a towel—this spot easily doubles as a beach day.
Before heading out, be sure to check the trail status and weather forecast, as sections may close due to wet conditions. You can find updates and maps on the official VKBC website. Bring along the basics: water, sunscreen, and a small bike repair kit. Weekends can get busy, so arriving early is a good move if you want prime parking.
If you’re visiting from out of town or new to the area, local bike shops offer rentals and guided rides to help you make the most of your time on the trails—and the beach. Virginia Key is a one-stop destination for riding, relaxing, and recharging.
Rent at Virginia Key North Point (Lagoon + MTB trails)
- PADL (Lagoon & Trails at Virginia Key – North Point Park and Trails)
What you can rent: MTB Bikes, kayaks, and paddle-boards (with a full-service shop + self-serve rental stations you unlock via their app).
Good for: “Show up and send it” days—ride the MTB trails, then hop on the water right there. - You can find more information at their website: PADL LAGOON & TRAILS
