Everglades National Park Things to Do

This beach site is located on a small key in the Ten Thousand Islands. The camping area is located on a sandy spit on the back side of the island, near the outhouse. Camping on the Gulf side is not possible.

This small pond opens up to Coot Bay, and is great for paddling and wildlife viewing.

Double Chickee Campsite. At marker #126, look for the “No Wake” sign – this marks the entrance to the passage where the chickee is located. Listen for dolphins at night. Curious sea turtles may surface from time to time. The chickee is sheltered from all but the strongest breezes. Mosquitoes may visit in the early morning and evening hours.

In 1919, the National Parks Association was founded as an independent supporter of the National Park Service, to protect and enhance our park systems for generations to come. The NPA Board of Trustees was filled with prominent American conservationists, including Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. By 1928 the campaign for a park in the Everglades got rolling, with Jr. focusing on the park’s functions and purposes rather than specific prohibitions, as many Florida Representatives wanted. In 1931, William P Wharton joined the fight for a national park in the Everglades. Wharton was involved in the Massachusetts State Park System, National Association of Audubon Societies, and the American Forestry Association, a perfect match to join Olmsted Jr. in crafting the report for a proposed national park in the Everglades. Olmsted Jr. and Wharton would spend ten days walking extensively in the Everglades region, speaking with fisherman, guides, hunters, and trappers. After their adventure, the two concluded the Everglades not only had all the qualities necessary for a national park but was also so different from any other in existence, having a “special force of novelty”. Olmsted Jr. and Wharton believed that coastal mangrove forests and “the abundance of many species of wild bird life not commonly found in other parts” made the Everglades highly desirable for a national park. Despite not proposing any specific recommendations for park development, they firmly believed believing “that the primitive character of the region should be protected to the utmost.” Not only did they see the Everglades as providing recreational enjoyment, they also saw the importance it would serve as a study site for botanists, zoologists, and geologists. Source: "Everglades National Park Project," Olmsted Online For more information and primary resources, please visit: Olmsted Research Guide Online Olmsted Archives on Flickr

The wilderness of Everglades National Park is very different from other places you may have boated, paddled, or camped. It can be confusing and difficult to navigate as the mazes of mangrove–lined creeks and bays all begin to look the same. With proper planning, you can avoid the frustration and hours wasted from getting lost. The 99-mile Wilderness Waterway attracts interest because it connects Flamingo and Ev-erglades City. Most paddlers allow at least eight days to complet

Florida Bay is a large (approximately 2,200-square-kilometer), shallow lagoon bounded to the north by the Florida peninsula and to the south and east by the Florida Keys (see map below). Though connected to the Gulf of America to the west, a series of shallow banks, typically covered with and stabilized by seagrass communities, limits the exchange of water between the gulf and the bay. These banks separate the bay into basins, each with its own physical characteristics. These basins provide unique habitat for many plants, invertebrates, fishes, birds, mammals, and reptiles, including several threatened or endangered species such as the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and species of special concern such as the roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja). Approximately 1,625 square kilometers of Florida Bay are located within Everglades National Park and protected by the National Park Service. Boating in the Florida Bay is a task for the skilled. Treacherous passes cut through long banks of mud and seagrass that separate the shallow basins that make up Florida Bay. Safe boating requires the ability to "read the water" as well as a chart. Shallow areas are not always marked, so polarized sunglasses are a key to reading the water. Having a weatherproof copy of NOAA chart #11451 is highly recommended. Visitors should know the limits of their boat. On average, the bay is less than 3 feet deep, so knowing the draft (depth) of your boat is important.

Hell’s Bay is 3.0 miles to Lard Can Campsite, 3.5 miles to Pearl Bay Chickee, and 5.5 miles to Hells Bay Chickee. “Hell to get into and Hell to get out of,” or so the old timers claimed. This sheltered route weaves through mangrove creeks and ponds to a series of small bays beyond Lard Can. The trail is marked with more than 160 poles.

This campsite is so named because the bay was “hell to get to and hell to get out of!” This applies whether approaching from the Main Park Road via the twisty Hells Bay Canoe Trail, or from Whitewater Bay via the unmarked East River route. The chickee sits in the middle of the bay in front of a mangrove island. Alligators may be in the area. Do not allow food scraps to fall into the water near any chickee.

A beach campsite located between Highland Point and the beaches north of the mouth of Rodger’s River. There are many large coconut palms growing along this narrow beach and it is a good location for bird watching. Make sure your camp is set up above the high tide line and secure food from racoons. The Rewis family lived at this site for about 27 years and spent most of it on the beach. Australian Pines, exotics to the area, can still be seen today.

The historic Nike Missile Site is one of the best preserved relics of the Cold War in Florida, active from the years 1966-1979. Visitors may visit the site most days between early December and late March.

The western shore of Hog Key is currently closed to protect vulnerable resources. Hog Key has a small campsite on the north end that may be used. Excellent fishing areas are only minutes away to both the north and the south. Paddlers may choose to use Hog Key to shorten days between Lostman’s River and Turkey Key due to traditionally rougher seas in that area. Access may be difficult and should be done at a higher tide.

This double chickee campsite is located on an alternate route from the Wilderness Waterway on the east bank of the mouth of Joe River. The chickee sits in a small but beautiful cove. At night, listen for dolphins who puff their way past your home to fish in the creek behind the chickee. Tall trees block all but southwesterly breezes, so be prepared for tiny winged visitors.

This ground campsite is located on a small patch of slightly elevated ground. It is shaded by buttonwoods and surrounded by mangroves. Soil compaction at the site makes it very muddy after a rainstorm. The thick vegetation and shade can lead to high mosquito levels, especially in summer.

Connecting trails through the Pinelands run 7 miles (11 km) west from the Long Pine Key campground to Pine Glades Lake along the main park road. It is advisable to look at trail map to understand the network of trails.

Closest campsite on the Wilderness Waterway to Everglades City, located between marker #126 and #127 on the southern bank of the Lopez River. This campsite is easily located by spotting the cement cistern which marks the old Lopez homestead built at the turn of the century.

A ground campsite located on a clearing of higher ground with a few palm trees that provide shade. This site was once an inholding. Soil compaction at this site can cause flooding during rainy weather. The dock is larger than most and can accommodate several vessels. This is a popular site for fishing groups with powerboats.

This self-guiding boardwalk trail meanders through a dense, jungle-like hardwood "hammock." Lush vegetation includes gumbo-limbo trees, air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree (Swietenia mahogani) in the United States. The trail is 0.5 miles (800 meters) roundtrip and is wheelchair accessible.

This is the first stop of the audio tour, Meet Everglades. A self-guided tour that introduces visitors to the wonders of what makes Everglades National Park so special.

This is the second stop of the audio tour "Meet Everglades".

This is the third stop of the audio tour "Meet Everglades".

This beach campsite, popular with fishermen, is a long, shelly sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. There is little shade, and it is exposed to wind in all directions. Campers will find spectacular sunrises and sunsets and unparalleled views of the Gulf or Mexico. Raccoons are in the area; store food and water appropriately.

Beach campsite. There is good fishing in the area located near the mouth of the Huston and Chatham Rivers. Make sure your camp is set up above the high tide line. Make sure vessels are tied, beached, or anchored securely.

Most of the year only a few ducks and wading birds, but for a few days during some winters, large numbers of wading birds, including Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks, move in to feast. Mrazek Pond is located approximately 3 miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center.

This trail is 7 miles round trip from Coot Bay Pond. Venture inland through the mangroves on this trail connecting the Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, Mud Lake, and Bear Lake. Birding is often good at Mud Lake. Accessible from the Bear Lake Trailhead (note Bear Lake Canoe Trail is Impassable) or Coot Bay Pond. Motors no allowed.

The beach site in the middle of the key has a vault toilet nearby, but is buggy. The other site is on an open sand spit which usually has less bugs, but at high tide you must use a boat to reach the toilet in the middle of the key. The sand spit is getting smaller and holds less people.

Nine Mile Pond is a 5.2 mile loop. This scenic trail passes through shallow grassy marsh with scattered mangrove islands. Watch for alligators, crocodiles, wading birds, and an occasional endangered snail kite. The trail is marked with numbered white poles. Water levels are good for passage in the fall and winter.

Noble Hammock is a 2 mile loop winding through a maze of shady mangrove lined creeks and small ponds, the sharp turns and narrow passageways require good maneuvering skills. Enjoy a “crash” course. Check for low water levels during the dry season. Motors prohibited.

An island beach campsite accessible to powerboats with a multi-vessel dock and vault toilet. The campsite beach is on the west side featuring a relatively thin beach area with short but dense vegetation beyond. Surrounding waters are clean to very light blue. Located less than 10 miles from Upper Florida Keys and 23 miles from the Flamingo Marina

This beach campsite is an open shelly sand beach with no shade. It is exposed to sun and wind in all directions. Mosquitoes and sandflies may be a present year round. Raccoons are in the area; store food and water in appropriately (hard sided containers). Beautiful sunsets and a sense of wilderness solitude will reward campers here, at this least frequented of the three Cape Sable beaches.

The historic Old Ingraham Highway was the first motorway to Flamingo but now provides at least 10 miles (one way) of backpacking into the heart of the Everglades. There are two backcountry campsites along this trail.

A short, .3 mile trail over a rough limestone surface. This hammock provides an up close view of the solution holes that permeate the floor of the Everglades, open year round.

This elevated wooden boardwalk leads to an overlook that offers sweeping vistas of the "river of grass". This raised observation platform provides close up views of dwarf cypress trees, magnolia, air plants and string lillies. The trail is 0.16 miles or 260 meters roundtrip, Wheelchair accessible.

Paurotis Pond is a scenic point along the Main Park Road. It is a rookery for many wading birds during the nesting season. It offers picnic tables and parking.

Beach camping. Campsites are plentiful, choose a site away from vegetation to minimize the impact on this fragile area. Bird watching is popular on the shoreline and fishing in the area is good. Tie or anchor your vessel securely and protect your food from racoons. DO NOT CAMP ON THE SPIT! Camp only on the shoreline.

This chickee is designed to accommodate campers with disabilities. The platforms have railings on several sides, and there is a large chemical toilet. One of the platforms has steps leading down to the water to facilitate access. The chickee sits in the bay, away from the surrounding mangroves, and is open at all sides, so mosquitoes usually are not a problem. On a moonless night, the stars are reflected hugely in the still waters of the bay. Dolphins swim past, hunting a mid

Campsites are located along the narrow beach. The channel offshore of the site is deep and swift with numerous oyster bars on the bottom. This site can be very buggy when calm and is exposed to westerly winds in stormy weather. Camp well above the high tide line.

Pinelands Trail is a short, paved loop trail is 2 miles west of the Long Pine Key turnoff on the main park road. This trail loops through a forest of pines, palmettos, and wildflowers. It is 0.4 miles (650 meters) roundtrip. Wheelchair accessible.

Chickee campsite located on a small key facing SE. This key gets good air circulation, making it more insect free than most. Free standing tents are needed for chickee

This beach campsite site is located at the mouth of Rabbit Key Pass on the eastern side of the island. A vault toilet marks the designated site. This campsite is a narrow beach with dune vegetation. Be aware of prickly pear cactus near toilet.

This double chickee is set in the middle of a small protected cove. It is far enough from the mangroves and situated so that it usually gets a breeze off the water and has few mosquitoes. The nearby bays offer good tarpon fishing and there is access to freshwater bass fishing as well. Eating bass caught in this area is not advised due to high mercury content.

Rowdy Bend Trail is 2.6 miles one way. Explore an overgrown old roadbed through shady buttonwoods and open coastal prairie. This is an opportunity for good woodland bird watching. Combine this trail with the Main Park Road (use caution!) and the Snake Bight Trail for a 12.6-mile round–trip bike ride from the Guy Bradley Visitor Center.

Royal Palm Information Station and Bookstore is a great place to stop to see wildlife, walk trails, attend a ranger program, or purchase souvenirs. The gift shop is open year-round from 9AM-4PM. Attend a ranger talk or follow a ranger on a guided walk beginning at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. Royal Palm serves as the terminus of two wheelchair accessible trails, the Anhinga Trail and Gumbo Limbo Trails, each offering visitors the opportunity to explore a different ecosystem

Sandfly Island Hiking Trail

Trip length will vary based on launch point, with a minimum length of 5 miles. Trip duration will vary by launch point, if you walk the trail on Sandfly Island or if strong winds or unfavorable tides are present. If you decide to stop at Sandfly Island, please use the beach area next to the dock, as the dock can be slippery and dangerous. Always tie up your boat.

A single chickee structure located on the south shore of a branch of the Little Shark River, 0.3 miles south of WW marker #6. This is a shady site, with northern exposure. The chickee is tucked up against a tall red mangrove forest. The rattling and plopping and thunkings of the forest residents will be heard all night long.

Entrance booth to the Shark Valley District. All park passes are sold here. Open year round, hours vary due to season.

The highest elevation a visitor can reach by foot in the entire park, at 45 feet plus in elevation. Panoramic views up to 20 miles of the Everglades. Open year round and 24-hours a day.

A 15-mile, flat paved loop trail, open year around, and only access to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. Great panoramic views of the Everglades along with wildlife sightings. Open 24-hours a day, year around.

Sisal Pond is freshwater borrow pit 15 miles from the park entrance. It can be accessed through the Long Pine Key Nature Trail or along the Main Park Road. Freshwater fishing is available.

Snake Bight is 1.8 miles one way, but don't let the name deter you! In this play on words, a "bight" is actually a bay (Snake Bight) within a larger bay (Florida Bay). Enter another world as you travel through a tropical hardwood hammock, with dozens of tropical tree species. There is excellent bird watching from the boardwalk at the end of trail if you plan your hike or bike ride to arrive near high tide

Sweetwater is a double chickee campsite located in a less frequently traveled area. Bring a free-standing tent with extra rope to tie it down. No hammering stakes or nails into chickee.

At the turn of the century Ed Watson lived here in a two-story house growing vegetables and refining sugarcane. Historic objects can still be located including: a cement cistern, a sugarcane syrup cauldron, and farm machinery. Several exotic plant species still grow at this site. Visitors can camp at this backcountry ground site

The beach camp sites on the western side offer a nice breeze and more privacy. Locate your campsite away from vegetation to minimize your impact in this fragile area.

A beach campsite. The beach is narrow and sloping in many places, but a few flat spots can be found. Watch out for prickly pear cactus and try to protect the fragile vegetation in the area.

Turner River Canoe Trail information

A great place for wildlife viewing, picnics, paddle trips, hiking adventures and more, West Lake is a great destination. Boating visitors are reminded that watercraft with engines of 6 horsepower or less are permitted on West Lake, but not beyond.

This self-guided boardwalk trail wanders through a forest of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), black mangrove (Avicennia nitida), red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) trees to the edge of West Lake. Directions to Trail: Seven miles (11km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center on the main park road.

Paddle through a series of large open lakes connected by narrow creeks lined with mangroves. Look for alligators and crocodiles. West Lake is closed to vessels with motors greater than 6 h.p. Motors are prohibited from the east end of West Lake through Alligator Creek. Not recommended on windy days due to open, rough waters. A wilderness permit is required for overnight stays.

Whitewater Bay is a large, open body of water that can prove challenging for some boaters. Strong winds and long distances can make this an arduous paddle for canoes and kayaks. Navigation can by tricky thanks to the monotony of the mangrove shoreline. Visitors are encouraged to use NOAA Chart #11433 to assist them in exploring this area.

his campsite is located on an old Calusa Indian mound, shaded by tropical hardwood trees. A canoe can follow the narrow, winding creek that connects the west end of Rocky Creek Bay to Lostman’s Five Bay to explore a different route back to the W.W. Change your chart to show W.W. reroute of markers #35 to #39 in Rodgers River Bay.

A picnic table at outside the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center features a poem by June Jordan selected by the 24th U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón as part of her signature project "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks."

Located on marl prairie, along a canal section of Alligator Creek, about 100 feet from Garfield Bight. Campers at this remote and rarely-visited site will likely be gloriously alone, except for the crocodilians who often sun themselves at the landing. Mosquitoes can be abundant all year round.

The trail is 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip. Meander along the shore of Florida Bay, watching for remnants of an outpost fishing village. Observe the effects of hurricanes Katrina and Wilma on the landscape. Begin at the Coastal Prairie Trailhead at the back of Loop "C" in the Flamingo Campground. Veer left at the trail junction to the bay. Not wheelchair accessible. Bicycles not allowed.

Bear Lake Trail is 1.6 miles one way. Journey through a dense hardwood hammock mixed with mangroves. The trail follows the old Homestead Canal, built in 1922, and is an excellent area for woodland birds. There are more than 50 different tree species. Bike, drive, or walk to the end of Bear Lake Road to begin this trail.

A short accessible .2 miles trail that winds through a willowhead. The boardwalk allows visitors to view the wildlife all around them. Open year round.

Trail that borders the borrow pit at the Shark Valley Tower. Limestone was gathered or 'borrowed' to build local construction before the park. This is a great place to see alligators and other wildlife, open year round

A ground campsite located on the south bank of the Broad River near WW marker #25. This site can get muddy after a heavy rain and mosquitoes can be prolific due to the dense mangroves nearby. Facilities are located on a small clearing of high ground surrounded by tall trees. This wide river eventually flows into Rodger’s River. It is reported that Joe Wiggins had a floating store on Broad River early in the century.

This ground campsite is located on an old Calusa Indian mound and shaded by tropical hardwood trees. The Seminole Indians had a hunting camp here when the Park was established in 1947. At least one Seminole claimed to have grown up at his family’s home at Camp Lonesome. This site is one of the few which extends inland into the sawgrass prairie. Paddlers may want to explore the Wood River (unmarked) just south of the site.

Christian Point is 1.8 miles one way. Wander a rustic path through a wide diversity of habitats. The trail begins in dense mangroves and buttonwoods full of bromeliads, or airplants. Next, investigate the unusual, salt–loving vegetation of open coastal prairie. Dead buttonwood snags interrupt these expanses that were shaped by hurricanes. Finally, you'll end–up along the shore of Snake Bight.

This campsite is a sand/marl beach, backed by mangroves and coastal prairie. Mosquitoes and sandflies may be a problem year round, especially if wind is out of the north.

This trial is 7.5 miles one way. Step back in time as you walk this old road once used by cotton pickers and fishermen. Open prairies of succulent coastal plants dotted with shady buttonwoods surround you as you journey towards the shore of Florida Bay. Begin at the rear of Loop "C" in the campground. A backcountry permit is required for camping.

This flat clearing was a homestead built from shell and cement by Arthur Darwin, who lived there from 1945 to 1971. He was the last private resident on Park lands. Artifacts from the site can still be seen and are protected. Tie your vessel securely. The island is also known as Opossum Key named because of the great number of opossums killed on the island. Before this, it was known as Chevelier Place, named after Jean Chevelier, a plume hunter who lived here. There is no dock

This campsite is an open shelly sand beach stretching for several miles along the Gulf of Mexico. Expect expansive sea views as well as magnificent sunsets and sunrises. Ruins of a dock used by an old concession tour may be found here. In the 1830s, Fort Poinsett was located here. Its mission was to thwart suspected arms trading between Indians and Spanish fisherman. Mosquitoes and sandflies may be a problem year round.

This campsite is a sand/marl beach, backed by mangroves and buttonwoods. Mosquitoes and sandflies may be a problem year round, especially if wind is out of the north. The site affords a lovely view of northern Florida Bay. Many trekkers use this site as a final stopover in order to get an early return to Flamingo the next day.

Located on the road to the Flamingo Campground, Eco Pond has a ½ mile loop trail. Wading birds, shorebirds and occasional crocodiles can often be seen at this location.

About 500 meters after you've passed the Ernest Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, you will encounter the Homestead Entrance Gate. Fees apply to enter Everglades National Park.

A new waterway along the west side of the park – the Everglades Paddling Trail – was approved in the 2015 General Management Plan. This 120-mile route provides additional wilderness and backcountry opportunities and includes several segments totaling about 30 miles that have boating use restrictions to enhance visitor enjoyment in the busy winter-spring seasons. You will need a wilderness camping permit (available at the Flamingo and Gulf Coast Visitor Centers) if you plan to

Section Barn C, one of the three barns that held the missiles and protected them when they were not deployed to be tested or fired. The large paved area between the road and the barn had three launch pads with rails between so two soldiers could roll out the five ton missiles to their positions. At Nike bases elsewhere in the country, the missiles would be housed below the launch pads and elevators brought the missiles up; here the water table is too close to the surface to h

The Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station is located adjacent to public boat ramps and the marina store, and is available 24-hours a day, year-round.

The Flamingo Marina, open year-round, can accommodate boats with electric and water hookups. Marina is currently open with access to power, 30A water pedestals, pump out, showers (available for $3), fuel, and fully stocked marina store (beer, water, sunscreen, bug spray, to-go food etc.) The channel will accept a four-foot maximum draft at HIGH-TIDE. At SLACK TIDE (0 tide) the channel is approximately two feet deep.

Non-motorized boat launch currently closed for construction.

The Gumbo-Limbo trail is a self-guided, paved trail meandering through a shaded, jungle-like hardwood hammock. In the hammock, hardwood trees such as oaks and gumbo limbos form a dense canopy overhead. Look for majestic royal palms, ferns, and air plants such as bromeliads. You may hear or see birds such as warblers, barred owls, or catbirds. Look closely and you may spot a liguus tree snail, the jewel of the hardwood hammock, on the bark of the trees. As the trail passes a p

Mingle with a variety of birds and butterflies as you amble along the shore of Florida Bay. Old pier pilings are a reminder that Flamingo was once a small fishing village. The trail was named for Audubon warden Guy Bradley, who was killed in 1905 while trying to protect a bird rookery in Florida Bay. This trail is a scenic short-cut from the Visitor Center to the Flamingo Campground day-use area and is 1 mile (1.6 km) one way. Wheelchair accessible and bicycles are allowed.

The Daniel Beard Research Center, where National Park scientists are based today, was originally called Integrated Fire Control and built as the headquarters of the Nike missile base. It housed soldiers and officers, included a mess hall and recreational facilities, and had offices for all “up range” purposes. The Battery Commander would work from this building, and if the decision was made to fire the missiles, the launch buttons would have been pressed here

Maintenance was critical to keep missiles and warheads ready. This battery was in “hot status” rotation with the other three batteries of the 2nd Battalion in south Florida, with one always ready to aim their missiles at a moment’s notice. When a dignitary was in town, such as the US President, all four Batteries were on hot status. Soldiers had to constantly test and maintain equipment.

The sub-tropical wilderness surrounding the base made wildlife a daily part of the conditions soldiers lived with. Just like today, the area had snakes, alligators, and insects to deal with. The blotches on the pavement here are old paint, once a painting of a mosquito. Soldiers claimed it was life sized at about a foot long by a foot wide (30 cm on each side). Heat and humidity, heavy rains, and the threat of hurricanes made maintaining and readying equipment more difficult.

The down-range section of the base, an extremely high security area. Even authorized soldiers known to military police guarding the site would be held at gunpoint if they were found in a part of the site they were not expected in. This sign is a replica of one originally placed outside the fence you just came through, and it is an example of the kind of security expected here. The original sign is on display inside Missile Barn C, stop #6 on this tour.

Each Nike base had an average of four sentry dogs, each with a military police officer as their handler. The dogs were trained to only listen to their one handler, and to attack all other people. There are stories of soldiers running for cover if a dog got loose, until their handler got them back under control. These dogs and their armed handlers patrolled the fence line every night, no matter the weather.

The Halfway Creek and Loop Trails are accessible from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City or from the Big Cypress Welcome Center on Sea Grape Drive off of US 41. The Creek is 7.3 miles long from the Big Cypress Welcome Center to the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. The upper loop is an additional 3.7 miles. From the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, the Halfway Creek-Left Hand Turner-Turner River loop is 11 miles. Allow 4-8 hours for these trails.

This trail runs true to its name since you traverse through three distinct ecosystems in one trail. The three ecosystems are Pine Rockland, Hardwood Hammock and Sawgrass Prairie. It is not wheelchair accessible and it is less than 0.8 miles (1200meters)

The famous Anhinga Trail is a self-guiding pavement and boardwalk trail winding through and over sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough. A paved path leads you along the water and to a looping boardwalk, providing views into the prairie and the clear waters of the slough. You may see alligators, fish, turtles, anhingas, and many other birds, especially during the winter, when the generally lower waters of the dry season concentrate aquatic wildlife in the slough. This is one th

Experience the natural beauty of Everglades National Park's Ten Thousand Islands with a boat tour on Chokoloskee Bay. 

One third of Everglades National Park is covered by water, creating excellent boating and fishing opportunities! Snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, and bluegill are plentiful. Saltwater fishing includes Florida Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and elsewhere in the park's coastal zone.

Exploring the Shark Valley area by tram is a great way to see and learn about the wildlife and hisotry of Everglades National Park. Guided two-hour tram tours are offered along a fifteen-mile loop trail into the "River of Grass". The open air trams allow for abundant wildlife viewing opportunitys, and stop at the Shark valley Observation tower for a bird's eye view of the sweeping Everglades ecosystem.  Tours depart from the Shark Valley Visitor Center located along U.S. H

Explore the everglades by biking the 15-mile (24 km) Shark Valley Tram Road. Along the way you can experience the wide array of wildlife, diverse freshwater ecosystems, and get a unique view of the Everglades!

Flamingo offers ample birding opportunities along its many trail areas as well as around the visitor center and marina. The mix of mangrove and coastal prairie habitats host a bounty of wading birds, shorebirds and waterbirds throughout the year. Additionally, there is always the chance of seeing tropical marine life close to shore, including crocodiles and manatees.

Snake Bight Trail can be walked any time of year, but is easiest to walk in the winter when mosquitoes are not abundant. This trail offers the opportunity to see birds restricted to coastal habitats, including Reddish Egret. Other species of shorebirds such as Greater Yellowlegs, Black-necked Stilt, Black-bellied Plover and various other sandpipers can also be found. Shorebirds are most easily observed during high tide when water forces birds off mudflats farther out on Flori

The Anhinga Trail is a popular place to start your exploration at Everglades National Park, providing a ready sample of wetland wildlife including alligators, turtles, fish, plants, and birds, all along a short, three-quarter mile paved and boardwalk trail.

Flamingo is the launching point for water excursions into Everglades National Park. Whitewater Bay and Florida Bay offer abundant wildlife and a chance to visit the parts of the Everglades only accessible by boat.

Join Diego the dolphin, Peter the panther and Aleesha the alligator in exploring three South Florida parks (Big Cypress National Preserve, and Biscayne and Everglades National Park). Pick up a booklet at any park visitor center and complete the required activities to earn a badge. Complete the entire book and earn three badges plus an exclusive South Florida junior ranger patch!

The famous Anhinga Trail is a self-guided pavement and boardwalk trail winding through and over sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough. A paved path leads you along the water and to a looping boardwalk, providing views into the prairie and the clear waters of the slough. You may see alligators, fish, turtles, anhingas, and many other birds, especially during the winter, when the generally lower waters of the dry season concentrate aquatic wildlife in the slough.