5 Must-Do Trails at Everglades National Park
At the very tip of the South Florida mainland lies a wilderness that truly transports you to the wild origins of this now heavily populated state. Often called the “River of Grass”, Everglades National Park is a wonder to behold, and exemplifies the fragility of many of the landscapes protected by our National Parks.
The Taylor Slough at Everglades National Park
While this massive park covers an astonishing 1.5 million acres, much of the park is designated wilderness, and is inaccessible to visitors. The incredible paddle tour through the Ten Thousand Islands region of the park is truly an incredible way to explore this wetland by water, but there are many excellent options to see this untamed landscape on foot! Here, we present the 5 must-do hikes at Everglades National Park.
For those looking for a complete list of trails to explore this wild wonderland, be sure to check out our Everglades National Park Guidebook for complete details of the many trails within the park.
Anhinga Loop
The Anhinga Loop, located next to the Royal Palm visitors center is an excellent introduction to Everglades National Park. It provides a short, scenic hike through the Taylor Slough and is teeming with wildlife. This boardwalk trail will put you mere feet from alligators, snakes, and the namesake bird of the trail. For a real thrill, explore the Anhinga Loop at night (bring a flashlight/headlamp and apply that bug spray) and be prepared for an experience like no other!
The Alligators on the Anhinga Loop at Everglades National Park are not shy
2. Pa-Hay-Okee Loop
The short Pa-Hay-Okee Loop provides one of the few elevated views of the “river of grass.” This peaceful, 0.16 mile loop takes you along a boardwalk through the Taylor Slough and up to an incredible viewing platform that provides exceptional views of the area and the many bird species native to Everglade National Park.
Taylor Slough viewed from the Pa-Hay-Okee Loop at Everglades National Park
3. West Lake Loop
The short boardwalk West Lake Loop Trail near the Flamingo region of the park puts you directly in the landscape of the reclusive American Crocodile. Unlike its Everglades National Park relative the Alligator, who never stray away from the attention, the American Crocodile can sometimes be found hiding along the shoreline of West Lake. In addition to the wildlife, the West Lake Loop Trail offers incredible views of black, white, and red mangroves native to the area.
The expansive West Lake at Everglades National Park
4. Mahogany Hammock Loop
Another of the many boardwalk trails through Everglades National Park, the short, yet scenic Mahogany Hammock Loop Trail, weaves you through the dense hardwood hammock found in the Pine Islands region of the park. The boardwalk eventually bends around the largest living mahogany tree in the USA, as well! This trail offers great views of Spanish Moss and other Air Plants tucked into many tree crevices, so don’t forget to look up… and down… while hiking this trail.
The dense hardwood forest of the Mahogany Hammock Loop at Everglades National Park
5. Bobcat Boardwalk Trail
The short Bobcat Boardwalk Trail located in the Shark Valley region of the park provides you with an excellent view of the Shark Valley slough and the many species found within this area of the park. The Shark Valley region can feel as if it is exploding with birds as the calls of the many waders are heard throughout the land. Additionally, if you are lucky, you can often find nesting Alligators near this gorgeous trail. Just be sure to keep your distance as Mother Alligator is a fierce protector of her young!
The lush Bobcat Boardwalk Trail is only a few steps from the Shark Valley Visitors Center
Bonus: Canoe Paddle the Flamingo Canal
For those willing to get their feet wet (literally!), a paddle trip through the Flamingo Canal to Coot Bay is an excellent way to have a truly immersive experience in this incredible National Park. Kayak and canoe rentals are available near the Flamingo Visitors Center, and a paddle trip up the canal will put you face to face with alligators, crocodiles, tarpon, and many other creatures! This is definitely well worth it for those looking to get up close and personal with the residents of Everglades National Park.
An exhilarating paddle up the Flamingo Canal at Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is not only an American treasure, but a landscape that is respected and admired across the world. This fragile landscape contains a wide array of animals that are currently threatened or endangered, and protects an ecosystem that is fighting a never-ending struggle against invasive species, urbanization, and climate change. So the next time you head to Florida, be sure to explore the wild yet beautiful landscape of Everglades National Park before the “river of grass” simply becomes grass!
A clear night sky over the Royal Palm Visitors Center at Everglades National Park
