Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park protects the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and the unique ecosystem known as the “River of Grass.” Located in southern Florida, the park contains vast wetlands, mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and coastal estuaries. The Everglades is home to a wide range of wildlife including alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors experience the park through boardwalk trails, kayaking routes, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: Florida
- Established: December 6, 1947
- Park Size: ~1.5 million acres
- Annual Visitors: ~1 million
- Ecosystem Type: Subtropical wetlands
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
- International Biosphere Reserve: Yes
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (December–April)
Cooler weather and excellent wildlife viewing.
Wet Season (May–November)
Hot and humid with frequent rainstorms but lush landscapes.
Best Photography Locations
- Anhinga Trail wildlife scenes
- Shark Valley observation tower
- Flamingo Bay sunsets
- Mangrove waterways
Camping & Lodging Options
Long Pine Key Campground
Located near the main entrance.
Flamingo Campground
Popular campground near Florida Bay.
Lodging options are also available at Flamingo Lodge.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The Everglades region has long been home to Indigenous peoples including the Miccosukee Tribe and Seminole Tribe of Florida, who continue to maintain cultural connections to the land.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
- Private vehicle: Yes
- Motorcycle: Yes
- Individual: Yes
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Nine Mile Pond paddling trails
- Mahogany Hammock forest
- Eco Pond wildlife viewing
- Snake Bight Trail coastal area
- Paurotis Pond bird habitats
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Everglades National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Everglades National Park Maps – Download official park maps including visitor areas and trails.
• Everglades Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Everglades Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates, closures, and park alerts.
• Everglades Camping Information – Information about campgrounds and backcountry camping.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Anhinga Trail
0.8 miles – Boardwalk trail famous for alligator and bird viewing. - Gumbo Limbo Trail
0.4 miles – Short shaded trail through tropical hardwood hammock forest. - Mahogany Hammock Trail
0.5 miles – Walk among towering mahogany trees. - Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail
0.25 miles – Scenic boardwalk offering views over sawgrass marshes. - Eco Pond Trail
1 mile – Wildlife viewing trail near Flamingo.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Pa-hay-okee Overlook
- Shark Valley observation tower
- Flamingo coastal views
- Nine Mile Pond area
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Walk the Anhinga Trail boardwalk
- Drive Shark Valley Loop Road
- Visit Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
- Wildlife watching along park roads
Nearby Getaway Towns
Homestead, Florida – Main gateway town near the park entrance.
Florida City, Florida – Additional lodging and services nearby.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- River of Grass wetlands
- Florida Bay coastal waters
- Mangrove estuaries
- Cypress domes
- Shark River Slough
Scenic Drives
Shark Valley Scenic Loop Road
A 15-mile loop featuring wildlife viewing and the famous observation tower.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Visit Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
- Walk the Anhinga Trail
Midday
- Drive to Shark Valley
- Bike or tram tour of Shark Valley Loop
Afternoon
- Scenic drive through wetlands
- Wildlife viewing stops
Evening
- Sunset at Flamingo area
- Birdwatching along coastal areas
Popular Flora
Everglades ecosystems include wetlands, mangroves, and tropical forests.
Common plants include:
- Sawgrass marsh plants
- Red mangroves
- Cypress trees
- Mahogany trees
- Pond apple trees
Popular Fauna
Reptiles:
- American alligators
- American crocodiles
Mammals:
- Florida panthers
- West Indian manatees
- River otters
Birds:
- Roseate spoonbills
- Great blue herons
- Anhingas
- Wood storks
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Kayaking the Wilderness Waterway
- Backcountry camping
- Birdwatching expeditions
- Multi-day paddling routes
Park History
The Everglades has long been recognized as one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Conservation efforts led by environmentalists helped establish the park in 1947 to protect this fragile wetland environment.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Mosquitoes can be intense during the wet season.
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Stay on designated trails and boardwalks.
- Hydrate frequently in hot weather.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Walk the Anhinga Trail for wildlife viewing
- Visit Shark Valley observation tower
- Kayak through mangrove waterways
- Explore Flamingo coastal area
- Spot alligators and birds in the wetlands
Fun Facts
- The Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
- The ecosystem is often called a “River of Grass.”
- It is one of the few places in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
- The park protects more than 350 bird species.
- Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Additional Resources (2)
• Everglades Paddling & Kayaking Routes – Maps and information about canoe and kayak trails.
• AllTrails – Everglades National Park Trails – Hiking maps, reviews, and GPS navigation.
• National Park Foundation – Everglades Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• Florida Tourism – Everglades Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• Everglades National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geography, and wildlife.