Everglades National Park

🌲 Park Overview

Welcome to Everglades National Park, Florida’s “River of Grass,” where slow-moving water weaves through sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and cypress domes teeming with wildlife found nowhere else in the United States. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the Everglades is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist. From airboat-whisper quiet paddles to boardwalk strolls above shark-nursery estuaries, Everglades promises subtropical adventure for birders, families, and intrepid explorers alike.

🌟 Fun Facts

Largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., protecting 1.5 million acres.

Home to 350+ bird species and rare Florida panthers.

The park’s water moves southward at an average speed of ½ mile per day—a sheet flow called the “River of Grass.”

Flamingo Marina’s night skies are so dark it’s a certified Urban Night Sky Place despite being near Miami.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Mild temps, few mosquitoes, peak wildlife viewing—busiest months Jan–Mar.

Wet Season (May–Oct): Hot, humid, daily storms; lush greenery, baby gators, far fewer crowds (and more skeeters!).

🎯 Things to Do

Families: Anhinga Trail wildlife boardwalk, Shark Valley tram ride, ranger-led talks at Flamingo.

Adventure-Seekers: 99-mile Wilderness Waterway paddle, slog hike through cypress swamps, backcountry chickee camping.

Photographers: Sunrise reflections at Pa-hay-okee, sunset silhouettes at Flamingo, roosting spoonbills at Eco Pond.

Chill-Travelers: Scenic drive to Flamingo Visitor Center, boat tour of Ten Thousand Islands, picnic under royal palms at Long Pine Key.

🥾 Top Hikes & Photo Spots

Anhinga Trail (0.8 mi): Boardwalk loop famed for alligator close-ups and bird action.

Shark Valley Observation Tower (15-mi paved loop via bike/tram): 20-ft tower with 360° Everglades panorama.

Pa-hay-okee Overlook (0.2 mi): Short boardwalk to elevated vista across the River of Grass.

Mahogany Hammock Trail (0.5 mi): Elevated walkway through tropical hardwood jungle and state’s largest mahogany tree.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Activities

Junior Ranger Program at Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.

Touch Tank Thursdays (seasonal) at Flamingo—hands-on marine critters.

Shark Valley Tram/Bike: Smooth, wildlife-rich ride with gator sightings every few feet.

♿ Accessibility Notes

Boardwalks at Anhinga, Pa-hay-okee, and Mahogany Hammock are wheelchair accessible.

Shark Valley trams accommodate mobility devices; paved loop good for adaptive bikes.

Accessible campsites at Long Pine Key & Flamingo plus marina boat tours with ramps.

🗓️ Itinerary Ideas

1-Day Snapshot: Morning at Shark Valley bike/tram → Lunch picnic Long Pine Key → Afternoon Anhinga Trail → Sunset Flamingo marina.

3-Day Expedition: Day 1 Coe Center to Royal Palm hikes; Day 2 Boat tour Ten Thousand Islands + canoe Nine-Mile Pond; Day 3 Backcountry chickee overnight or kayak Snake Bight.

Family Version: Junior Ranger badge morning, gator-spotting at Anhinga, tram ride Shark Valley, evening ranger talk Flamingo.

🧳 Planning Tips

Lodging: Flamingo Eco-Tents & houseboats, Long Pine Key campground (seasonal), hotels in Homestead/Florida City.

Food: Few services—grab groceries beforehand; Flamingo Marina has limited snacks/ café.

Permits: Backcountry camping permits (online or Flamingo), fishing license for salt/fresh water.

Transportation: Miami & Ft. Lauderdale airports (~1–1.5 hr). Personal vehicle essential; park lacks internal shuttles.

🚧 Permits & Rules

No swimming—yes, there are crocs & gators!

Peak mosquito season May–Sept: bring DEET + head net.

Collecting orchids, feathers, or artifacts strictly prohibited.

🌄 Compare This Park With

Big Cypress National Preserve: Adjacent swamp wilderness, similar wildlife, off-road scenic drive.

Congaree National Park: Another floodplain forest with boardwalks—but temperate vs. subtropical.

Hot Springs National Park: Water-themed relaxation vs. wild wetlands—urban spa vibe instead of marsh.

🔗 Internal Links

Blog: “Paddles & Panthers—Minimalist 48 Hours in the Everglades Dry Season.”

Printable: “Everglades Wildlife Bingo & Mosquito Prep Checklist.” (placeholder)

📥 Printable Downloads (placeholder)

Birding Checklist by Habitat

Kayak Day-Trip Gear Guide

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