Hiking in Everglades

This hike begins from the Royal Palm parking area, which is at the end of a side road located 2.6 miles from the entrance on the Main Park Road. It may qualify as the one must-do short hike in the park. During the dry season, massive numbers of wading birds, fish, and alligators congregate here, in the relatively deep waters of the area. Seeing alligators is virtually guaranteed here, as are an almost unimaginable number of different birds. Rangers frequently lead walks on this trail, so if the plentiful alligators make you apprehensive, consider some company. See our Everglades Photo Gallery for a dozen images of what you can expect to see along the trail.

This hike begins from the small Eco Pond parking area, which is near the end of the Main Park Road, 38.9 miles from the entrance. The loop trail circles the pond. This is one of the best birding locations in the park.

This hike begins from the Mahogany Hammock parking area, which is at the end of a side road located 20.2 miles from the entrance on the Main Park Road. This hike follows an elevated boardwalk into the hammock, a heavily wooded area raised slightly above the surrounding marsh. This isolation and relative coolness makes it a favorite place for the park's mammals.

This hike begins from the Pa-hay-okee parking area, which is at the end of a side road located 13.2 miles from the entrance on the Main Park Road. The short trail leads to an overlook of the surrounding river of grass and is considered by many to be the best vista point in the park.

This hike begins from the Pine Land parking area, which is at the end of a side road located 7 miles from the entrance on the Main Park Road. The short, paved loop trail winds through pine rockland habitat.

This trail, actually a paved road, begins from the Shark Valley parking area, which is inside the small Shark Valley developed area. It is far removed from the main part of the park, located off of Tamiami Trail. It is about an hour's drive from the Royal Palm area. The road makes a 15 mile trip back into the Shark Valley Slough area, teeming with wildlife. Most people walk a short portion of the road, ride a bicycle (they can be rented at the start of the road), or ride the tram operated by Shark Valley Tram Tours. A fee is charged for bike rental and tram tours.