MOUNTAIN BIKE THE GUANA PENINSULA

Take an easy bike ride along the flat trails of the GTM Research Reserve to see a mix of unique vegetation, converging waterways and a mix of wildlife.

The Guana Peninsula Experience

The GTM is a great option for hikers and kayakers, but it’s also a fun spot for an easy bike ride. By getting on a bike, you can experience all of the varying trails on the Guana Peninsula in a single outing. There are five trails if you leave from the main Trailhead Pavilion – Yellow, Orange, Blue, Purple and Red.

As you ride these trails, keep in mind you are potentially sharing it with hikers, dog walkers and horseback riders so be sensitive to other users. Also, the wildlife on these trails can be special and you might see great blue herons, snowy egrets, storks, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, owls, deer, gopher tortoises, mussels, clams and oysters.

You will start the ride at the Trailhead Pavilion on the Yellow Trail. Depending on how and which trails you ride, you can easily experience much of the Guana Peninsula and ride between 10 and 15 miles. There are a series of benches provided along the hikes so get off your bike occasionally, sit for a while and take in the unique environments.

Additional pre-hike interpretation and trail maps are available at the Environmental Education Center as you enter the GTM Research Reserve. If you’re one that wants additional depth, there are also guided hikes and indoor presentations often available and their availability can be determined by calling the GTM.

As a natural Preserve, these lands are particularly sensitive and can be easily damaged. You can be a “Sustainable PVB Guest” by keeping these tips in mind.

Details

Experience: Mountain Bike the Guana Peninsula

Address: The GTM Environmental Education Center is located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082 – for trail access keep straight once you turn on Guana River Road, stop at pay station for entry access, go past the Guana Dam parking lot on a dirt road which leads to the trail parking lot.

Entrance Fee: $3 parking fee

Hours: For the trails – 8am to sunset, for the Environmental Education Center 9am to 4pm

Website : https://gtmnerr.org/

Facilities Available: The Guana Trails provides easy parking and the Trailhead Pavilion gives a mix of background information about the trails. There are restrooms at the Pavilion and a variety of benches along the trails are great spots to stop and take in the natural beauty of the Reserve.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to moderate – all trails are on relatively level ground and are easy to access.

Other Information: Visit the Ponte Vedra Visitor Information Center to learn more about the area.

Tips From The Experts

  1. For easiest access, park at the west end of the Guana Dam, past the pay station, near the Trailhead Pavilion.
  2. Go before 11am. You will see more wildlife in the cooler parts of the day and it makes for an easier time on the trail.
  3. Make sure to stop into the Environmental Education Center either before or after your hike to learn more about this unique area.