The best traffic-free bike rides around Ormond Beach

There are 5 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Ormond Beach featured in this guide. All of them are rated as easy, making them accessible for a wide range of cyclists.

The routes in Ormond Beach offer a diverse and scenic experience. You'll find well-maintained, twisting roads, with some sections shaded by ancient live oak trees. Expect vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, creeks, marshes, barrier island dunes, and beaches. The area is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making for a pleasant ride.

Yes, Ormond Beach offers several excellent circular routes. The renowned Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail is a 34-mile double loop. You can also explore routes like the Bulow Creek State Park loop from Ormond Beach, the Fountain Plaza loop from Destination Daytona, and a Roadbike loop from Ormond Beach Middle School.

The routes often pass through or near significant natural and historical sites. You can explore Bulow Creek State Park, known for its ancient forests and the impressive Fairchild Oak. Other highlights include Dummett Plantation Sugar Mill Ruins, and various sections of the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail offering views of the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax River, and Intracoastal Waterway.

The cooler months from late fall to early spring (roughly November to April) are generally ideal for cycling in Ormond Beach, offering pleasant temperatures and less humidity. This period also coincides with the migration season for endangered Atlantic right whales (December to March) along the coast, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Parking is typically available at various access points along the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, including within the state parks it traverses, such as Tomoka State Park and Bulow Creek State Park. Specific routes like the Fountain Plaza loop also have designated starting points with parking.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Ormond Beach are suitable for families, especially given their 'easy' difficulty rating and generally flat terrain. The dedicated nature of these paths, particularly sections of the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail that are less trafficked, provides a safer and more enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages.

The diverse ecosystems along the routes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. In parks like Tomoka State Park, you might spot manatees and various bird species. Along coastal sections, especially during migration seasons, you could see endangered Atlantic right whales (December to March) and nesting sea turtles (May to September). The ancient forests also host a variety of local fauna.

While the routes themselves are designed to offer an 'Old Florida' charm with minimal commercial development, there are dining options available in Ormond Beach and at various points along the broader Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail. You'll find cafes and restaurants in the main town areas, perfect for a post-ride refreshment.

The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail is a designated Florida Scenic Highway and National Scenic Byway, specifically designed to offer a unique cycling experience. While some sections may have light local traffic, many parts provide a serene, low-traffic environment, winding through diverse landscapes from ocean views to shaded canopies of live oaks, making it ideal for a peaceful road cycling adventure.

The routes vary in length to suit different preferences. For example, the Bulow Creek State Park loop is approximately 36 km (22 miles), while the Fountain Plaza loop is about 48 km (30 miles). The famous Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail itself is a 34-mile (55 km) double loop, offering longer ride options.