About the park
Everglades National Park was created in order to protect a fragile ecosystem, the first park designated primarily for this purpose. The park is a border between land and sea, tropical and temperate. Marshes, mangroves, cypress forests and hardwood hammocks intertwine as a mosaic of habitats that host 11,000 species of plants and 400 species of vertebrates. The importance of this biodiversity hotspot has been recognised by UNESCO, as both a world heritage site and a biosphere reserve, and by the Ramsar Convention, as Wetlands of International Importance. Only two other locations on the planet share this rare triple status.
After decades of neglect being exploited as part of South Florida urbanisation, restoration since claiming national park status has resulted in regulation of airboat tours, return of river flow into the park, and increased control over invasive species, resuming the wilderness dynamic. As such, the main road in the park only extends to Flamingo, with the majority of campsites requiring kayak or canoe to reach. The Wilderness Waterway is a 99-mile water trail extending from the Flamingo visitor centre up to the Gulf Coast visitor centre to the far north of the park. (Back country camping permits required).
For those looking to appreciate the park without diving deep within its wilderness, Shark Valley visitor centre has a 15-mile round-trip trail to a small observation tower. Cycle rentals or a tram service are purchasable, with reservations recommended thru November-April. The Flamingo visitor centre has various hiking and canoe trails nearby, along with views of Florida Bay. Regardless of the time of year or area of the park you're visiting, this is a wilderness area and as such, precautions must be taken and vigilance required. Insect repellent, sunscreen and fresh water should be carried year round, but especially in summer.
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Wildlife Spotting
The largest tropical wilderness in the US, this network of wetlands and forests are inhabited by 36 threatened and protected species, including the Florida panther, West Indian manatee, and American crocodile, alongside hundreds of species of bird and fish across 6 habitats.
Airboat Trips
With most of the park inaccessible by foot or motor vehicle, and too shallow for most boats, airboat trips provide a thrilling experience that enables visitors to observe the parks wildlife, with the added bonus of a refreshing break from the humid heat. Three airboat tour companies are authorised to operate within the park itself.
An Everglades Sunset
The vast open marshes create panoramic vistas and beautifully capture reflections in the still, shallow water, enabling you to fully appreciate the vivid colour display regularly offered by a Florida sunset. For those looking for a different way to view sunset, some airboat companies that operate in or just outside the park offer sunset tours.
Can't miss
Explore the park
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Points of interest
Top nearby experiences
Trails
As ever, we recommend conducting some of your own research on hikes as well as talking to park rangers in order to find less populated trails that may be of interest, helping to prevent overcrowding and erosion of the park's best known routes. But here are a few suggestions to consider to get you started...
Gentle
Anhinga trail
Royal Palm Visitor Centre
Length (roundtrip): 0.8 miles
Approximate duration: 30-45 mins
Maximum elevation: 5 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 0 ft
This trail is very accessible for all visitors, with it well paved and maintained and suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and kids. Located very close to the main entrance to the park near Homestead, it is a perfect early stop for those driving deeper into the park.
Due to its ease of access it is not the quietest trail, but there are often opportunities to spot birds and reptiles. The boardwalk crosses over some of the wetlands, giving the opportunity to get relatively close to the animals that make the Everglades their home!
Even though it's a short hike, make sure to bring some water and wear sunblock at anytime of the year. And naturally due to the water along the trail, there are usually plenty of annoying insects - always a good idea to consider some bug repellent.
Moderate
Bear lake
Flamingo Visitor Centre
Length (roundtrip): 7.2 miles (3.2 at trailhead)
Approximate duration: 2-4 hours
Maximum elevation: 2 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 2 ft
For those that like the idea of the Anhinga trail but want something quieter and more natural, then Bear Lake is a good option! The trail is not particularly well maintained due to the presence of Cape Sable thoroughwort, an endangered plant species found only in south Florida, but is still accessible.
Another fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife, with frequent opportunities to see alligators. But again bugs are often in abundance so bring your bug spray. The reward for the hike is the lake itself, with an expansive view and nicely lined in parts by mangroves.
Parking at the trailhead can be difficult at times if the park is busy, which is why we have also included the hike along Bear Lake road as the longer distance. This section runs along Buttonwood canal, providing a few more wildlife spotting opportunities.
Demanding
Coastal Prairie trail
Flamingo Campground
Length (roundtrip): 15.0 miles
Approximate duration: 6-8 hours
Maximum elevation: 17 ft
Max-Min elevation change: 17 ft
Really immerse yourself in the wetlands of the Everglades with one of the longest trails in the park. Starting at one of the southernmost points of the park, Flamingo, the trail runs along the transition between wetlands and ocean.
Cape Sable throughwort is again allowed to grow naturally along the hike, making it quite overgrown. It is also very muddy, which can become exhausting in the Florida heat and humidity. This is about as remote as you can reasonably get for a hike in the Everglades, so plenty of wildlife surprises can pop up along the way, so stay vigilant!
A very tough hike reaches the halfway point at clubhouse beach before you have to turn around. But it does offer a very true Everglades experience. With the length of the hike, be careful for the advance of inclement weather, which can happen quickly in Florida!
Where to stay
Hotel
picks
Rental
options
Campsite
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When to visit
Itineraries
We recommend:
February to April - for comfortable warmth &
fewer mosquitoes
