Everglades Trail & Visitor Guide
Everglades · United States · About 1.5 million acres (roughly 2,357 square miles) at the southern tip of Florida — the largest tropical wilderness in the United States.
Why Visit Everglades
The Everglades is a slow-moving river of grass stretching 60 miles wide and over 100 miles long across southern Florida. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist. The park protects critical habitat for 36 threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee.
Free Everglades Audio Guide with Roamee Pro
Roamee Pro offers a free, self-guided Everglades audio guide. It narrates trails, viewpoints, geology, and wildlife as you explore — Anhinga Trail, Shark Valley, Pa-hay-okee Overlook, plus quieter spots like Christian Point Trail and Eco Pond. No guide, no schedule, works offline.
explore by interest
Signature Trails
- Anhinga Trail0.8 mi round trip (paved boardwalk) · Easy
The park's best wildlife walk near the Royal Palm area — alligators, anhingas, herons, and turtles at close range, especially in dry season.
- Shark Valley Tram Road15 mi round trip (paved loop, walk/bike/tram) · Moderate
Flat loop into the 'river of grass' to a 65-ft observation tower with 360-degree sawgrass views; alligators line the path.
- Gumbo Limbo Trail0.4 mi loop (paved) · Easy
Shaded jungle-like hammock of gumbo limbo trees, ferns, and air plants near Royal Palm.
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook0.16 mi round trip (boardwalk) · Easy
Short boardwalk to a raised platform over the open sawgrass prairie — wide sunset views.
Must-See in Everglades
- •Anhinga Trail — a 0.8-mile boardwalk where alligators, anhingas, and herons are seen at close range
- •Shark Valley — a 15-mile loop trail and tram road through sawgrass prairie with an observation tower
- •Pa-hay-okee Overlook — a short boardwalk to a panoramic view over the vast river of grass
- •Nine Mile Pond — a canoe trail through mangrove tunnels and open marsh
Best Viewpoints
- •Shark Valley Observation Tower (65 ft over the sawgrass)
- •Pa-hay-okee Overlook
- •Flamingo Visitor Center marina (Florida Bay)
- •Mahogany Hammock boardwalk
Quieter Corners of Everglades
- •Christian Point Trail — a 1.8-mile trail through coastal prairie to a secluded Florida Bay shoreline
- •Eco Pond — a small freshwater pond near Flamingo that attracts roseate spoonbills and other wading birds at sunset
Wildlife You May See
Entrance Fee
$35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days across all entrances. $30 per motorcycle, $20 per person on foot or bike. The $80 America the Beautiful annual pass is accepted.
Getting There
Three separate, unconnected entrances. Main/Homestead entrance (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center) is about 1 hour southwest of Miami via FL-9336, leading to Royal Palm and Flamingo. Shark Valley is on US-41 (Tamiami Trail), about 45 minutes west of Miami. Gulf Coast (Everglades City) is in the northwest. Miami International (MIA) is the nearest major airport.
Where to Stay
Inside the park: Flamingo (lodge/eco-tents and campground at the southern tip) and Long Pine Key Campground (dry season). Gateway towns: Homestead and Florida City (chain hotels, near the main entrance), Everglades City (for the Gulf Coast), and Miami for full amenities.
Best Time
Dry season (mid-November through April) is by far the best: wildlife concentrates around remaining water, mosquitoes are bearable, and trails are passable. Wet season (May–October) brings heat, daily storms, flooding, and brutal mosquitoes; some facilities reduce hours.
Safety
Never feed or approach alligators and keep pets leashed and away from water edges. In wet season, mosquitoes are extreme — carry strong repellent and cover up. Carry water; shade and services are minimal. Afternoon thunderstorms and lightning are frequent in summer. Stay on boardwalks and marked trails over wetland.
Scenic Drives
- •Main Park Road (FL-9336): Homestead entrance to Flamingo, about 38 miles past most major trailheads
- •Tamiami Trail (US-41) past the Shark Valley and Gulf Coast entrances
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