17 Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park – Top Trails, Map, Directions, and Tips
The Everglades National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring natural wonder that offers some of the most beautiful and diverse hiking trails in the world. Hiking in the Everglades is an unforgettable experience, and with so many trails to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to start.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best hikes in the Everglades National Park including the Anhinga Trail, Mahogany Hammock Trail, Flamingo Trails and much more, each offering a unique and unforgettable hiking experience.
Overview of Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world, and three of the best hiking trails are the Pine Island Trails, Flamingo Trails, and Shark Valley Trails.
The Pine Island Trails are perfect for those who love to explore undeveloped wilderness areas. These trails wind through a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands, mangrove swamps, and freshwater sloughs.
They offer visitors an opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more.
The Flamingo Trails are located in the southernmost part of the park and offer a unique hiking experience.
These trails allow visitors to explore the coastal areas of the park, including the Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, hikers can see a variety of birds, marine life, and even manatees.
The Shark Valley Trails are a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable hiking experience.
These trails lead hikers through the heart of the Everglades, offering stunning views of the park’s famous “River of Grass.” Along the way, visitors can see alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
Consider reading: 15 Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park
Why Hike in the Everglades National Park?
The Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and covers over 1.5 million acres of land.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, known for its unique ecosystem that supports a variety of plant and animal life.
The park is home to the Florida panther, American crocodile, and West Indian manatee, among other species.
Hiking in the Everglades is a unique experience that offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in a diverse and wild ecosystem.
The park has miles of trails that range from easy boardwalks to challenging backcountry hikes. Hiking in the Everglades is also an opportunity to see rare and endangered wildlife in their natural habitat.
Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park – Pine Island Trails
Here are the best hikes in the Everglades National Park in Pine Island Trails:
| Trail Name | Trail Length | Wheelchair Accessible | Bicycles Allowed | Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anhinga Trail | 0.8 miles (1200 meters) round trip | Yes | No | Starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center, four miles (6 km) from the main park entrance/Ernest Coe Visitor Center. |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 0.4 miles (600 meters) round trip | Yes | No | Starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center, four miles (6 km) from the main park entrance/Ernest Coe Visitor Center. |
| Pinelands Trail | 0.4 miles (650 meters) round trip | Yes | No | Seven miles (11km) from the main park entrance/Ernest Coe Visitor Center. |
| Pahayokee Overlook | 0.16 miles (260 m) round trip | Yes | No | 13 miles (21 km) from the main park entrance/Ernest Coe Visitor Center. |
| Mahogany Hammock | 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip | Yes | No | Twenty miles (32 km) from the main park entrance/Ernest Coe Visitor Center. |
Here are some key points about the Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Pinelands Trail, Pahayokee Overlook, and Mahogany Hammock that are sure to catch your attention:
Anhinga Trail
This self-guided trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Everglades National Park, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife up close, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
The Anhinga trail winds through a sawgrass marsh, making for a stunning and unique hiking experience.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
Gumbo Limbo Trail is a self-guided, paved trail that meanders through a shaded, jungle-like hammock of gumbo limbo trees, royal palms, ferns, and air plants.
The Gumbo Limbo trail is perfect for those who want to experience the lush, tropical flora of the park.
Pinelands Trail
Pinelands Trail winds through a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands and freshwater sloughs, offering visitors a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife.
The Pinelands trail is a great option for those who want to explore the undeveloped wilderness areas of the park.
Pahayokee Overlook
Pahayokee Overlook trail leads to an observation tower that offers stunning views of the “River of Grass,” the vast and unique ecosystem that defines the Everglades.
The Pahayokee Overlook trail is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and grandeur of the park from a unique perspective.
Mahogany Hammock
The Mahogany Hammock trail meanders through a dense, jungle-like hardwood “hammock” and is home to the largest living mahogany tree in the United States.
The trail is perfect for those who want to experience the lush, tropical flora of the park while also seeing some of its most unique and iconic trees.
No matter which of these trails you choose to explore, you’re sure to have a unique and unforgettable hiking experience in one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in the world.
Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park – The Flamingo Trails
Here are the best hikes in the Everglades National Park in The Flamingo Trails:
| Trail Name | Trail Length | Wheelchair Accessible | Bicycles Allowed | Directions to Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Lake Trail | 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip | Yes | No | Seven miles (11km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center on the main park road. |
| Snake Bight Trail | 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way | No | Yes, except on the boardwalk at the end of the trail. | This trail is a scenic shortcut from the Flamingo Visitor Center to the Flamingo Campground day-use area. |
| Rowdy Bend Trail | 2.6 miles (4.2 km) one way | No | Yes | Two miles (3 km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center. Bike, drive, or walk to the end of Bear Lake Road to begin this trail, which ends at Bear Lake. No RVs due to low overhead and minimal turn-around space. |
| Christian Point Trail | 1.8 miles (2.9 km) one way | No | No | One mile (2 km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center on the main park road. |
| Bear Lake Trail | 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way | No | No | Two miles (3 km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center. Bike, drive or walk to the end of Bear Lake Road to begin this trail, which ends at Bear Lake. No RVs due to low overhead and minimal turn-around space. |
| Eco Pond Trail | 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip | No | No | On the right past the Flamingo Visitor Center. |
| Guy Bradley Trail | 1 mile (1.6 km) one way | Yes | Yes | This trail is a scenic short-cut from the Flamingo Visitor Center to the Flamingo Campground day-use area. |
| Bayshore Loop Trail | 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip | No | No | 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. |
| Coastal Prairie Trail | 7.5 miles (12 km) one way | No | No | Begins at the rear of Loop “C” of the Flamingo Campground. |
West Lake Trail
This wheelchair accessible trail is a short, easy hike that offers stunning views of West Lake. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the park without going on a long or strenuous hike.
Snake Bight Trail
The Snake Bight Trail winds through a variety of habitats, including mangrove swamps and coastal prairies, and offers visitors a chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, alligators, and more.
It’s perfect for those who want to explore the unique coastal areas of the park.
Rowdy Bend Trail
The Rowdy Bend Trail leads hikers through a variety of habitats, including freshwater marshes and hardwood hammocks, and offers stunning views of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Christian Point Trail
The Christian Point Trail is a great option for those who want to explore the park’s coastal areas. It leads hikers through a variety of habitats, including mangrove swamps and coastal prairies, and offers stunning views of Florida Bay.
Bear Lake Trail
The Bear Lake Trail winds through a pine rockland habitat and ends at Bear Lake, one of the park’s most iconic and beautiful bodies of water. It’s perfect for those who want to see some of the park’s most unique and beautiful flora and fauna.
Eco Pond Trail
The Eco Pond Trail is a short, round-trip trail located near the Flamingo Visitor Center. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the park without going on a long hike. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including wading birds and alligators.
Guy Bradley Trail
The Guy Bradley Trail is a scenic, one way trail that leads hikers from the Flamingo Visitor Center to the Flamingo Campground day-use area. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the unique beauty of the park’s coastal areas while also getting some exercise.
Bayshore Loop Trail
The Bayshore Loop Trail is a round-trip trail that begins at the Coastal Prairie Trailhead and leads hikers to the bay, offering stunning views of the park’s diverse flora and fauna along the way.
Coastal Prairie Trail
The Coastal Prairie Trail is a one way trail that leads hikers through a variety of areas, including freshwater marshes and hardwood hammocks. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the park’s diverse habitats and see its unique flora and fauna up close.
Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park – The Shark Valley Trails
Here are the best hikes in the Everglades National Park in The Shark Valley Trails:
| Trail Name | Trail Length | Wheelchair Accessible | Bicycles Allowed | Skateboards / Rollerskates Allowed | Directions to Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bobcat Boardwalk | 0.5 miles (800 meters) one way | Yes | No | No | Located off the Tram Road behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center. |
| Otter Cave Hammock Trail | 0.25 miles (400 meters) one way | No | No | No | Begins 0.5 miles (800 meters) behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center, off the Tram Road. |
| Tram Road | 15 miles (24 km) round trip | Yes | Yes | No | Begins directly behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center. |
Bobcat Boardwalk
The Bobcat Boardwalk is a self-guided trail that meanders through the sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests.
It’s a short, easy hike that’s perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the park without going on a long or strenuous hike.
The trail is wheelchair accessible and offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife up close, including alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species.
Otter Cave Hammock Trail
The Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a rough limestone trail through a tropical hardwood forest with small footbridges over a small stream.
It’s a moderate hike that’s perfect for those who want to explore the undeveloped wilderness areas of the park.
Hikers can check at the Shark Valley Visitor Center for current trail conditions, as the trail can sometimes be flooded during the summer.
Tram Road
The Tram Road is a unique hiking trail that’s perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the park from a different perspective. It’s a flat, paved road that’s used for tram rides, bicycling, and hiking.
The trail winds through the park’s unique landscape, offering stunning views of the River of Grass and the diverse flora and fauna that call the Everglades home.
The trail is perfect for those who want to get some exercise while also exploring the park’s unique landscapes.
No matter which of these trails you choose to explore, you’re sure to have a unique and unforgettable hiking experience in one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in the world.
Tips for Hiking in the Everglades National Park
We highly recommend following these tips for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience:
- Stay hydrated: The Everglades can be hot and humid, so it’s important to bring plenty of water with you on your hike. It’s recommended to drink at least one liter of water per hour of hiking.
- Wear appropriate footwear: The trails in the Everglades can be wet and muddy, so it’s important to wear sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots. They should also have good traction to avoid slips and falls.
- Protect yourself from the sun: The sun can be intense in the Everglades, so it’s important to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Bring insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a nuisance in the Everglades, so it’s important to bring insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid bites.
- Stay on designated trails: The Everglades is a delicate ecosystem, so it’s important to stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the environment.
- Respect wildlife: The Everglades is home to a variety of wildlife, so it’s important to respect their space and avoid feeding or approaching them.
- Check trail conditions: Before heading out on a hike, it’s important to check trail conditions and weather forecasts. Some trails may be closed due to flooding or other factors, so it’s important to stay informed.
By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in one of the most beautiful and unique natural areas in the world.
Final Thoughts on Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park
From the lush mangroves to the breathtaking vistas, each trail offered a new adventure and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way.
If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s no better place to go than the Everglades.
The best hikes in Everglades National Park will take you on a journey through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world.
From the Anhinga Trail to the Coastal Prairie Trail, the Bobcat Boardwalk to the Otter Cave Hammock Trail, the Everglades offers a range of hiking experiences that are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking gear and head to the Everglades National Park to discover some of the best hikes in the world.
FAQs on Best Hikes in the Everglades National Park
What are some of the best hikes in the Everglades National Park?
Some of the best hikes in the Everglades National Park include the Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Pinelands Trail, Christian Point Trail, and Bayshore Loop Trail.
Are there any easy hikes in the Everglades National Park?
Yes, there are several easy hikes in the Everglades National Park, including the Bobcat Boardwalk and West Lake Trail.
Are there any challenging hikes in the Everglades National Park?
Yes, there are several challenging hikes in the Everglades National Park, including the Otter Cave Hammock Trail and the Coastal Prairie Trail.
What should I bring with me on a hike in the Everglades National Park?
It’s important to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate footwear, such as sturdy, waterproof shoes or boots.
Are there any guided hikes available in the Everglades National Park?
Yes, there are several guided hikes available in the Everglades National Park, including ranger-led hikes and tours from private companies.
Can I hike in the Everglades National Park year-round?
Yes, hiking is possible year-round in the Everglades National Park, but it’s important to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out on a hike.
Are there any fees for hiking in the Everglades National Park?
There is an entrance fee to the park, but hiking on designated trails is free. However, some guided hikes and tours may require a fee.
What is the longest hike in Everglades National Park?
The longest hike in Everglades National Park is the Wilderness Waterway Paddle Route. Spanning 99 miles, this trail offers an immersive experience through mangrove forests, coastal marshes, and remote backcountry areas. It is a challenging and rewarding adventure for experienced hikers.
