Boyd Hill Nature Preserve bike tour: 5 ecosystems on trails

Mountain bike through five ecosystems in one morning

A guided mountain bike tour of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve covers three miles of trails and boardwalks through 245 acres of preserved habitat along Lake Maggiore. You ride past an aviary holding Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Screech Owls and other raptors, then spot American Alligators, turtles, Ospreys and butterflies across five distinct ecosystems. The tour includes the bike, helmet, water and admission to the preserve, plus time to explore the education center afterward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bike tour and nature exploration

• Bike through 3 miles of trails
• Observe 5 different ecosystems
• See birds of prey in aviary
• Spot alligators, turtles, and butterflies
• Explore the education center

The experience

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve sits in the middle of the city but feels removed from traffic and downtown noise. The tour covers three miles on mountain bikes, mixing trail riding with boardwalk sections that let you move through five different ecosystems without backtracking. A guide leads groups through 245 acres of native Florida habitat along Lake Maggiore's shore, pointing out what lives where and how the preserve keeps each zone intact.

The aviary holds live birds of prey: Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Screech Owls, Barred Owls and Northern Crested Caracaras. Beyond the raptors, the ride passes American Alligators, tortoises, turtles, Ospreys, Cormorants, Anhingas and a range of butterflies. The boardwalk sections let you slow down and watch without disturbing nesting or feeding birds. After the ride ends, you have time to walk through the education center at your own pace before leaving.

The tour runs two hours and includes the mountain bike fitted to your height, a helmet, bottled water, admission to the preserve and the guide. Closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. The preserve asks that you specify your height when booking so the bike fits properly. A 24-hour cancellation window applies.

What’s included

• Admission to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.
• mountain bike fitted to your height.
• helmet.
• bottled water.
• two-hour guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

DepartureGuide in English · 10:00 and 14:00The package covers a 2-hour bike ride through the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, plus admission to the education center.

Additional time in winter 2020Guide in English · 10:00 and 14:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Doos Amazing Tours

Is this one for you?The two-hour ride suits travelers with moderate fitness who want to see wildlife and native habitat without the pace of downtown, though the bike and trail terrain mean you need to be comfortable on two wheels and able to ride for the full duration. Minimum age is 13.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds of prey will I see at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve?

The aviary holds Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Screech Owls, Barred Owls and Northern Crested Caracaras, all live birds you'll see during the tour.

How many miles of trails does the bike tour cover?

The tour covers three miles across mountain bike trails and boardwalks, moving through five different ecosystems within the preserve's 245 acres.

What animals besides birds might I encounter?

You'll see American Alligators, tortoises, turtles, Ospreys, Cormorants, Anhingas and various butterflies throughout the ride along Lake Maggiore's shoreline.

Is there time to explore after the bike tour ends?

Yes, the tour includes time to walk through the education center at your own pace once the two-hour bike portion is finished.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Closed-toe shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended. The preserve provides the bike, helmet and water, and you'll specify your height at booking so the bike fits properly.