Join Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's naturalists for an off-road wilderness and eco-friendly adventure!  Whether this is your first time to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or you’re looking for a new and exciting way to explore the sanctuary, the Bring Your Own Bicycle Backcountry Tour won’t disappoint.   

We will hop on our bikes in the parking lot and then pedal approximately eight miles over gravel and dirt paths, while exploring some of the different habitats found in our 13,000+ acre preserve.  Along the way, we will stop to observe the bountiful wildlife that calls Corkscrew Swamp its home, as well as learn about the Corkscrew watershed, our land management practices and local history of the area.  For this sunset tour, we will watch the sunset over the north marsh on the way back, about 1.5 miles from our visitor center parking lot.    It would be good to bring either a bike light or a headlamp along as it will be starting to get dark by the time we get back.

The bike tour will take approximately three hours.  Participants must be at least 15 years of age and must be physically able to bike slowly for at least eight miles.  Once we leave the parking lot, the route is unpaved and will traverse over uneven terrain including gravel, rocks, shallow and deep sand, grass, tree roots, shallow water and mud.  Off- road bikes, such as mountain, gravel or some kind of wide tire bike, are highly recommended.  We will be pedaling leisurely, stopping throughout the tour to better observe wildlife, and may even explore some areas by foot. 

This is a completely self-supported tour, so bring enough food and water for three hours. Only bring extra gear that you can comfortably carry for a long period of time.  Ensure your bike in good working order and the tires inflated to an appropriate level, as we do not have the ability to repair bikes.

Participants will need to sign a liability release form when they arrive before the tour.

What to bring:

• Mountain, gravel or any fat tire bike with flat (non-clip) pedals
• Helmet
• Repair kit
• Water (at least one liter)
• Snacks & lunch
• Sunscreen
• *Bike light or headlamp

What to wear:

• *Bike helmet - *required for all participants
• Closed-toed shoes
• Bicycle and weather appropriate clothing, such as padded cycling shorts 

Recommended:

• Camera
• Binoculars
• Backpack, or bicycle basket or panniers to carry your things in
• Sun hat

Cost:

• $55 General Admission
• $45 Corkscrew Members
• $30 Youth ages 15 - 18

Backcountry Bike Tours will meet at Corkscrew's Blair Audubon Center. Check in with the admissions desk and show your registration (in-print or on your phone). Meet your tour guide with your bike in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center, at least 15 minutes prior to the tour.

Participation limit:  10  

For more information, email corkscrewtours@audubon.org