Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a lush, tropical oasis nestled between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This serene state park offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city, featuring a paved multi-use trail that winds through a maritime hammock, providing a perfect spot for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy a freshwater lagoon, local wildlife, and easy access to the adjacent beach.
About My Ride
My husband, friends, and I had a ride planned from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park up busy A1A to Pompano Beach and back. Still suffering from some soreness from the previous day’s ride, I was nervous about spending so much time in the saddle without a bailout option. When I learned the park featured a paved, one-way looped road just under 2 miles, I opted out of the planned road ride and stayed inside the park. Fourteen laps later, I had completed 26 miles—about ten miles short of the group’s planned route. I ended up having plenty of time to change clothes and get in a 2-mile walk, finishing right as they completed their ride.
Ride Overview
- • Location: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, Florida
- • Course Type: loop
- • Course Surface: paved
- • Bike: Salsa Warbird
- • Distance: 26.04 miles
- • Moving Time: 1:56:27
- • Average Speed: 13.4 MPH
- • Elevation Gain: 177 feet
- • Elevation Range: 1 to 35 feet
- • Weather: 65° and partly cloudy, climbing to 76°
- • Date of ride: February 11, 2026
- • Start time: 9:09 AM
- • Strava map:
Fun Pictures from Along the Way
Terry, Chuck, and Bill joined me for a warmup loop around Hugh Taylor Birch State Park before heading north on A1A.
I practically ruled the road for 26 miles, but I still appreciated that bike lane whenever my rear bike radar picked up an approaching car.
Although the park is filled with wildlife crossing signs, I didn’t spot any turtles or other critters during my laps. Even without the wildlife sightings, the smooth, traffic-free loop was a fantastic place to ride, offering a peaceful and scenic ride under the canopy, and quite the contrast to what I would have experienced on A1A.
The backside of the loop runs parallel to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, providing endless scenic views. From stunning waterfront homes and fishing boats to passing yachts, there was plenty to look at, including a beautiful glimpse of Fort Lauderdale across Sunrise Bay.
My favorite plant spotted while tooling around the canopied side of the park was the sea grape. It was such a fun sight because I actually have one as an indoor plant in our home!
Garmin Stats
Post-ride Garmin…
Garmin map and elevation graph…
Final Thoughts on the Ride
Sometimes the best rides are the ones that don’t go exactly as planned. Opting to stay on the park loop instead of tackling the A1A road route ended up being a blessing in disguise. Not only did I save myself from additional discomfort by spending less time in the saddle, but I also got to enjoy a 2-mile walk, wrapping up the morning feeling great. It’s a wonderful reminder that you don’t always need to go far to have a great adventure!
Questions
- • Have you ever made a last-minute change to a workout to listen to your body, only to end up having an amazing time? ~ yes
- • What’s your go-to move when a ride or workout doesn’t go exactly as planned? Do you pivot or grind it out? ~ depends, I’ve done both
- • Do you stop and relax occasionally to fuel or take pictures, or barrel on through when on a long run or ride? ~ pictures, always pictures, unless I’m racing
I’m linking up with Jenn from Runs with Pugs and Jenny of Runners Fly for Tuesday topics Link-Up. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Birch State Park! When my husband and I lived in Ft. Lauderdale we used to run there all the time. Darlene and I ran through it during our half marathon in a year ago, and- bonus fun fact- my husband and I got married in Birch! Seeing your photos and descriptions is making me want to go run there again. It’s just far enough away to make it inconvenient though. Maybe I could make the trip down there when I have a longer run on the schedule, some Sunday.
That’s so cool that your husband and you were married in Birch! It’s such a pretty park and I never got bored during the many laps while riding or walking. With the canopy of shade it would be a great place to run on a sunny day.
Ha, I love this kind of “plan B turns out better than plan A” story!
At first glance, 14 laps sounds like it could get boring… but the way you describe it, it actually sounds ideal. Quiet, scenic, no traffic stress, and just you settling into a rhythm.
I have a running buddy who loves running loops for that reason!
I never got bored during all those laps while riding or walking and the canopy kept me cool. And truth be told, I was thrilled not to have to deal with the heavy traffic on A1A.
I get why your running buddy likes to run loops.
Looks like a fantastic pivot! I’m all about the pictures, too (big surprise?), so I would have been totally content to have been on your pivot ride with you.
It would have been fun to do this ride with you! The lack of traffic and other cyclists made it a great place to ride while chatting with a friend – I just needed a friend with me (after the first lap).
What a wonderful place for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing. I love to run/walk in places with scenic views: I forget the effort and time flies. Enjoy your adventures!!!!
Thanks, Stefano!