Shark Valley Trail

I would like to preface this adventure by saying that if you prefer to bike Shark Valley, please reference Rob Witt's adventure "Bike through Shark Valley".  Biking is certainly the best way to see the whole trail, and not spend the entire day doing it.  Hiking (really walking) this trail is a slightly different than taking the tram or riding a bicycle for several reasons.  At a slower moving p...

The Shark Valley loop allows you to experience a peaceful bike ride and close encounters with wildlife found in the Everglades. This paved trail takes about 2-3 hours to complete and includes an observation tower with quite a view.Fill up or purchase water bottles at the Visitor Center for your adventure, as there is no place to refill along the way. Everglades National Park does asks that you ...

This 5-mile swamp walk begins off of Loop Road. To get there, take the Tamiami Trail into Big Cypress National Preserve and turn onto Loop Road (a right turn if coming from the west, a left turn from the east) at Monroe Station. About 2.2 miles down the gravel road, you will see signage for the Gator Hook Trailhead. The trailhead will be on your left, along with picnic tables, pit toilets, and ...

Park at the trailhead and hop onto the boardwalk trail. Its very short--just 0.2 miles, so take your time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Partway through the hike there is a lookout tower which is great for getting a high vantage point to enjoy the landscape from. Be aware of wildlife around you and respectful of the space you share with them.

A few miles after the Big Cypress visitor center you will find the Kirby Storter Boardwalk. This is a short 1 mile trail through a mature cypress strand. It is a pretty neat experience since in the Everglades in order to be in the middle of a habitat like this, you have to get your feet wet, however this well maintained boardwalk puts you right in the center of this unique ecosystem.  About hal...

The Everglades National Park is a superb spot for viewing wading birds and alligators off an easy paved path. There are a number of observation decks along the way, off of the main path. The trail begins at the Visitor Center, following Taylor Slough. The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see alligators in this part of the Everglades, so be sure to walk to the end of the paved path an...