Oleta River State Park

Oleta River State Park

	Oleta River State Park
Location:	Florida
Nearest Town:	N. Miami Beach
Directions to Trailhead:	east off interstate 95 to the intercoastal. easy to find and plenty of parking.
Trail Description:	see the pics on my website of a recent mtn bike race...
Trail Length:	6 miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Advanced
Web Link:	http://www.onajide.com/outdoors
Submitted By:	onajide

Dirt Biter from Hollywood FL Date: March 10, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Follow the trail head Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Moving here from Arizona and being a competative downhiller, I was very doubtfull that I would be able to find any good riding or even a bike shop that sells something other than beach cruzers. To my suprise there is an avid mountain biker community and some very good trails. Oleta Park is one. What it lacks for technically it makes up for in fun. When I say "technical" I am coming from riding epic trails like National or Mt. Eldin in Flagstaff (AZ) or even a couple trips I took to Lake Tahoe and rode Mr. Toads and the Flume trail. You have to realize that technical is an adjective. To anyone who says that Oleta is a very technical course would grow as a rider to take a trip to the mountains and see what technical really is. However, Oleta is very well taken care of. Some of the bridges and drop-offs remind me of (on a smaller scale) Santa Cruz and Marin County. The smell is something you will need to get used to and make sure to chop down your bars so you don't run into trees. The park offers all ability levels In comparison to Florida I give this trail 4 stars In comparison to Arizona and California I give this trail 2 stars.	Overall Rating:

Mark from North Miami Date: February 7, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The problem is that people seem to think that making posts solve the problems. Get off your computer and do trail work is the answer	Overall Rating:

from Date: February 3, 2003 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: these trails are beat. it seems that all the time, care, and materials are all being given to markam park i'm not complaining as i love markham but oleta has really taken a dive. at one time it was one of the better parks to ride in the region. but it seems as if no one cares anymore. or perhaps since it is a state park their have been limitations placed on just what can be done. I don't understand all the care being give to the new novice trail when several of the existing trails have really fallen in to disrepair. if anybody knows what has happened please post.	Overall Rating:

Rottenron from South Florida Date: October 1, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: The trails here are well marked... Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham Park and Quiet Waters Park
Review: Of the three MTB parks in South Florida, Oleta River is the one I get to ride the least. Oleta has hosted all sorts of races and adventure challenge events. The facilities are excellent, offering swimming, picnicking, camping (in little cabins), fishing, and of course mountain biking as well as those special events. Being adjacent to North Miami Beach you can ride in the morning and spend the rest of the day vacationing with the family on the beach. For a Park fee of $2 per person/car be prepared to ride 10 miles of single track varying in difficulty. A good workout! Every time I go to there it gets better and more technical. I start off by riding Davie’s trail at a slow to moderate pace as a warm up and to get used to riding on those rocks that roll out from under you like little ball bearings. This trail system is laid out through an area of coastal pines with exposed roots, rocks, and short sections of slippery clay surface. It has short climbs and downs that keep it really fun. Some sections have roots stepping up the climb. One day I’ll figure out the trick to riding sections like that. (Glad to see many others walking up those sections too) 7+ miles into the trail you reach this huge man-made hill. The climb leading to the top is not technical but difficult enough to challenge the endurance of even the more athletic climbers. As soon as you get to the top switch out your granny gear because its party time! You are rewarded with a sweet little downhill into a sweeping high bank turn, followed by some jumps promising some air, another sweet high bank before a short climb back to reality. Well, not really, because now in front of you is a smooth short downhill with two 8 foot table-tops promising sick air! The trail system finishes up with a unique trail. It has the flow of a well-done BMX track. There are nice rhythm sections, smooth straights, and bermed turns leading back to within Ľ mile of the trailhead. This trail system may not hold a candle to some of the epic and beautiful rides of the western US and Carolinas, but it keeps us fit enough to enjoy them when we get the opportunity to visit. Until then, you folks up north enjoy your winter!	Overall Rating:

Jocko from North Miami Date: August 29, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: 95 or Turnpike south to the golden glades interchange. Then 826 east to the park. It is in the NE 3400 block and the block numbers increase as you go east. If you cross the drawbridge, you missed the park! Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham Park
Review: The Oleta trails have something for every level of rider, from novice trails to a high end intermediate. New jump at the end of El Diablo recommended for experts only. You can ride all day but the summer middle of the day rides are hot & humid. The trails constantly change and are always being expanded and improved. Gator Bank is my favorite!!! Great park, friendly staff, great place to ride.	Overall Rating:

choco from Ft. Liquoerdale, FL Date: August 12, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: 3400 N.E. 163rd Street, North Miami, FL 33160, (305) 919-1846There are two ways to get to this park. The easiest to find of the two is the I-95 route; take I-95 South to 826 East (towards the beaches). Go past US-1, still heading East. Oleta park will be the only thing on your right. Now If you want the fastest way this is the route for you. If you live in Northwestern Broward or live close to the turnpike, Go South to 826 East. For you simpletons it will be easy to find due to the fact that when the turnpike ends it turns into...You guessed it, 826 East. Follow that past US-1. Again the park is on the right. so there. Other recommended trails in the same area: for more details and a photo tour, check out tredhed.com
Review: This trail has something for everyone. It's hard enough to keep the experienced guys entertained and there are easy parts for the beginners. Great variance in the trails. Hills, technical areas, bridges and drops, and that wonderful big jump in the back. I love this trail! Watch out for the last one(davies trail), its a killer. If you don't want to be blocked by tons of people jamming up the good parts, get there early on the weekends, by noon there are tons of human obstacles in there as well. Also not a good trail to have to walk the bike back to the car to fix a flat..bring the shit with you!Warning! This trail the addictive qualities of heroine.	Overall Rating:

George M. Parrack from Miami, Florida Date: April 1, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: BMX area, Diablo, Twin Peaks, Oyster Ridge, Mangrove Bridge, Christmas Tree, The Hill. Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham Park Ft Lauderdale,Fla.(Rocky sigletrack) Amelia Eirhart Park Hialeah, Fla.(Rock and sand with some elevational changes not maintained very well)Matthason Hammock Coral Gables, Fla.(Asphalt doubletrack and roadway adjacent to Biscayne Bay. Not an offroad challenge but rather a scenic and relaxing ride)
Review: My son (8) and I (50) warm up on what could be a decent BMX course and wood obstacles. Watchout for the recently added wood structures in this area! A lack of engineering and carpentry skills have created unstable and dangerous elevated track and platforms. We then navigate some of the simple novice/intermediate singletrack trails. These consist of fairly level but heavily rooted (washboard like)and loose coral paths. A child can make a pretty good go of these trails first time out. Moving on to the more difficult trails such as Diablo, Twin Peaks, Oyster Ridge, and Mangrove Bridge, we encounter a more varied terrain with frequent elevational changes, outcroppings of coral rock that seem to reach out to damage flesh and equipment, mud during the rainy season, and yes, plenty of roots and loose gravel. The Christmastree trail features a lone Norfolk pine tree that riders hang their flattened tubes, broken water bottle cages, and a various assortment of abused and tortured components. we ususally finish the day at the parks 40+ foot manmade mountain. The east side features a well groomed slope with rampage allowing ample opportunity to catch some big air and the west side provides for a fairly steep and quick decent down a loose gravel singletrack into a banked 90 that returns back up the hill. Super fun! Overall, the park is beautiful and scenic with many trails that parallel the Oleta River and it's numerous tributaries woven through the park. The large variety of trails provide for a safe and exciting ride for beginners and technical intensive trails for more advanced riders. Kudos, helmets off, and thumbs up to the park management for recognizing the need for bike trails and especially to the volunteers who put so much time into maintaining and pioneering new trails.	Overall Rating:

anna-maria galvez from Boca Raton, FL Date: March 12, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Tyr them all!!! This park has the best variety of trails in South Florida. Other recommended trails in the same area: Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Beach, FL; Johnathon Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound, FL & Cave Creek Recreational Area, Phoenix, AZ
Review: This park is GREAT!! It has trails for all types of riders. The hardest trail in the park is "Twin Peaks", it will kick your a**, no doubt about it! El Diablo is a good trail, I broke my right arm on this trail...was in a cast for 12 days and hit this trail the same day I got the cast off. Dragon's Gate is another good trail, as well as the French Connection, but watch out for the tall/steep(^)wooden bridge.	Overall Rating:

Chris Jones from Randle,WA, US Date: February 23, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: All these trails are GREAT!!! I know,I helped to create them!!! Just ask the rangers. Other recommended trails in the same area: NONE BETTER THAN OLETA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: When I left FLA in 2001 there were almost 15 mi. of trails. NUFF SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

Melissa from Miami, Fl Date: January 21, 2002 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: The one in the back that was just built. I forgot the name. Other recommended trails in the same area: markham state park.
Review: I have been doing this for 2 years in the winters (summers are way too hot) and I love it! I started out here, at Oleta and moved on to Markham, but whenever I bring freshmeat into my obsession, I take them to Oleta first. The trails are good for anyone. If your a beginner, you'll learn real quick. And if you know what you're doing, these trails are great to get the practice on. I must admit that the signs are a bit confusing if you haven't been there before. Whenever I go, the mosquitos aren't too bad, but then again, I don't give them a chance. Most times that I have gone I can say that it's been a little busy, but since the trails are big and many, that usually doesn't effect the riding.	Overall Rating:

JUAN from LOCAL Date: November 29, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: TWIN PEAKS, TRUTH IS ALL, JUST AVOID ALL NOVICE AND DAVIES (AT THE END) Other recommended trails in the same area: MARKHAM, AMELIA EARHART
Review: IF YOU HAVE LEGS JUST GO, HOW FAST CAN YOU GO? REALLY WELL GROOMED AND MAINTAINED, HATS OFF TO THE VOLANTEERS. FUN, TECH AND ALWAYS A PLEASURE.	Overall Rating:

Ryan from Sunrise Date: July 24, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Signs posted Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Rode this past Sunday, one of the rare times I ride on the weekend. Man was it crowded! Noticed some additons to the trail (bridge/platform in the 2nd half), some sections were about as messy and muddy as you could get. This trail is not very forgiving for the hard-tail riders. Although I've ridden this trail a handful of times, this time my ride would be cut short due to a snapped seatpost bolt. The shockwaves sent up through the saddle will keep me from having kids for a while for sure. :-) Overall, Oleta never dissapoints. It has something for everyone. Hopefully next time around I'll be hammering more and in the saddle less!!	Overall Rating:

Anais Oliver from Hialeah Date: July 23, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Novice trail.. bring water and put on mosquito spray (off) . Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: My husband and I go every week we have two boys 3 and 5. They ride with us on bike seats. WE ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT... We have often spoted racoons and once we saw a Bobcat. Wow! that was cool. We ride for at least 3 hours with plenty of water breaks in between before we head out and ride our canoe. There is not one part of that park that we have not experince. I should also mention that every one is very helpful and courteous. So, If you see us out there dont forget to say HELLO.	Overall Rating:

JORGE from MIAMI Date: July 22, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: THANK GOD I MY COMPASS ! REALLY NICE AND CHALLENGING BUT MAN IS IT EVER MISMARKED. I'LL GIVE THEM SOME CREDIT, "WRONG WAY" SIGNS WERE POSTED AT TRAIL ENDS. FACILITIES WERE GREAT AND ALL TRAILS WERE SUPER MAINTAINED. I ARRIVED AT 8:00 A.M. AND AT 8:30 THERE MUST HAVE BEEN 75 OR MORE BIKES ON TRAIL WITH ME. TRAILS ARE SO TWISTING AND TECHNICAL THAT IF IT WASN'T FOR THE OTHER RIDERS "WAHOO YELPS", I WOULD'T HAVE KNOWN WHO WAS AHEAD OR COMING UP ON ME. ARROWS WOULS HAVE BEEN NICE. I'LL COME BACK AGAIN. MAYBE WEEKDAYS ARE LESS CROWDED.	Overall Rating:

Gary from New Port Richey, FL Date: July 18, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Novice first time Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Road this puppy in the rain last weekend. It was wet, slippery, and sloppy. I loved it. Word to the wise, the locals were wearing DH leg and arm armour. They are not wimps, they are smart. I found out from my brother-in-law that this area was used for motorcross back in the 70's. It was know then as the cheese grater. That is not sand on the trail, it is coral and it will cut you up like a razor. I got a wonderful gash on my knee. Locals also load up on bug repellant, so follow their lead. Use protection and enjoy the trail. The novice trail was a good mix with a lot of tight turns and twists. You get good on these and you will not stay a novice. The trail is real tight in some sections and it is eay to hang a handlebar going through there. I take issue with the one reviewer that commented there were AHs there on the weekend. Everyone I encountered on the trail was friendly and willing to assist if you needed help. I am jealous of the North Miami people who have this in their neigborhood. They are very fortunate.	Overall Rating:

JOE D. from KENDALL, MIAMI, FL. Date: May 25, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: SEE ABOVE Other recommended trails in the same area: MARKHAM(FT. LAUDERDALE, CHALLENGING) QUIET WATERS (DEERFIELD, EASY) AMELIA EARHART (HIALEAH, JUNKY, BUT UNDER DEVELOPMENT)
Review: THE NUMBER OF REVIEWERS GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF HOW MANY PEOPLE RIDE A TRAIL, RIGHT? OLETA IS PROBABLY RIDDEN BY MORE PEOPLE THAN ANY OTHER TRAIL IN SOUTH FLORIDA EXCEPT MAYBE FOR MARKHAM PARK, HOWEVER THERE ARE FEWER THAN 100 REVIEWS HERE, THERE SHOULD BE 1000 OR MORE. ANYWAY, I'LL SAY THIS: IT'S REASONABLY CHALLENGING (I'VE BEEN RIDING FOR ONE YEAR); IT'S A GREAT WORKOUT, THERE'S A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING( HILLS, FLATS, BUMPS, MUD, ROOTS); THE TRAILS ARE WELL MARKED OUT AND SEPARATED AND ALL ONE-WAY SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE ON EDGE ABOUT HITTING SOMEONE HEAD-ON; MAINTENANCE ON THE TRAILS IS PRETTY GOOD; AND VERY IMPORTANT, IT'S BUILT WITHIN A STATE PARK SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE OWNER, OR OTHER USERS KICKING YOU OUT. I LOVE THIS PLACE. ENJOY!	Overall Rating:

Integrozz from St.Louis, MO. Date: January 18, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham Park
Review: Oletta is a great trail for beginner/intermediate riders. There are some minor technical parts to the trail but are definitely manageble. If you like roots you came to the right place, they are everywhere! Only spent a couple of hours on the trail, I still need to go back and ride the rest. It's definitely not a death march, there are access novice trails that can lead you back to the parking lot if neccessary.	Overall Rating:

Shaz from Sunrise, Florida Date: January 14, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Get to 163rd Street, Head East over US1, go down about 1 mile, entrance to park on your right. Go to parking lot #1, follow everyone to the trailhead. Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham is good for the intermediate rider. The novice or beginner section is a flat and boring ride around a lake... no challenge at all. Some intermediate trails are pretty advanced and then there are the black diamond trails where if you aren't bleeding, you didn't have an awesome ride.
Review: For beginners the novice trails offer something more than a flat boring ride, but nothing that will kill you!! Twists, turns, roots and small bumps. Intermediate trails are for those that have solid skills but aren't death defying.	Overall Rating:

Victor from Rocky Peak, California Date: January 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Get off airplane in Miami and say "take me to Oleta" Other recommended trails in the same area: also ride Markem Park.
Review: Most people are shocked to hear me say that there is some really good mountain bike riding in Miami, Florida. Not Riding Mountains in Miami but riding mountain bikes in Miami. Forget your little ring, bar ends and disk brakes. Fast & technical if rather short (but you can just do laps too).	Overall Rating:

Onajide from Miami Date: November 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Drive east off Interstate 95 to the intercoastal waterway. Turn right when you get there. It's easy to find and plenty of parking. Other recommended trails in the same area: Markum Park in Broward Co. Crossroads in Ft Pierce (a bit of a drive but it's great)
Review: Just a quick note to let you all know that my old website is down but I have a new domain and just posted NEW pics of the Nov, 2000 Oleta River Cactus Cup event. If you raced you might find your pic there! www.art3st.com/outdoors	Overall Rating:

P. Cihelka from Seattle,WA USA Date: November 19, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Too new to the area to know
Review: I've lived in Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, and Wash, DC, and this is one of the finest collection of trails I've run across. I've found some excellent individual trails in my past locales, but this is a fine circuit that I often spend the entire day traversing. There's novice for the rookies, and intermediates that some beginners could use to hone their skills. Pretty much something for everyone. And it only takes me 10 minutes to ride there. FUN, FUN, FUN	Overall Rating:

John D. from Pt.St.Lucie FL. Date: October 22, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: Markham Park
Review: What a ride.It was rainy,wet and just plain fun.This is just an awsome trail.I loved all the switchbacks,good straight aways.Not many hills though.I have also ridden this trail dry.It's pretty fast when dry.The roots are very ridable.I found the people here very cool.Every thing about this trail was good.If you like to ride this is agood place,it has everything.	Overall Rating:

DA'LOLO from SOBE Date: August 24, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: take collins up to 163rd st. park will be on your left side. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: great ride. lots of technical but nothing too daring. Lots of as*&oles on weekends. But is o.k.	Overall Rating:

Rusty from Miami Date: May 27, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Ride the streets, just watch out for the crazies ! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Excellent local trail. Not too much traffic, esp. during high noon on a hot one. Beginners beware! Some novice trails collide with intermediate. Ale House right across the intercoastal highway for a cool one afterwards.	Overall Rating:

Wil from Seattle Date: January 11, 2000 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: From the parking lot, head past the bike wash to the trail head at the left. All trails are clearly marked and named. Other recommended trails in the same area: Markum Park
Review: Oleta is a great place to spend the day on the trails. It offers a good selection of technical trails that really help you develop your skills. My favorites are Gator Back, Dragon's tail and Christmas tree. I was in Florida for the holidays and hit Oleta a couple of times with my brother, we had a great time.	Overall Rating: