10 of the Best Hikes in the Everglades

If you’re looking for some of the best hikes in the Everglades, you’ve come to the right place! The Everglades is a vast, subtropical wilderness where you can find some of the best everglades hiking trails. From short, easy trails to long and strenuous hikes, there are plenty of options for hikers of all levels. Here, we have compiled a list of the 10 best hikes in the Everglades. With varying lengths, difficulty levels, and scenic vistas, there’s something for everyone.

Snake Bight Trail

Located in the Flamingo Visitor Center section of Everglades National Park, the Snake Bight Trail is a great way to explore the beauty of the park. This 3.2 mile out and back trail leads hikers through a variety of different habitats, including mangroves, prairies, and salt marshes. Along the way, hikers will find plenty of wildlife, including alligators, wading birds, and other waterfowl.

The trail is an easy one, with most of it running parallel to the shoreline and only requiring some light elevation changes. There are a few boardwalks that provide additional views over the water, as well as benches for rest stops. Additionally, there are some detours along the way that offer a little more adventure, such as the Wood Stork Trail and the Anhinga Trail.

Read also: Top 10 Best Hiking Boots For Men – Which Ones Will Fit You Best?

As a final note, it’s important to remember to bring bug spray when hiking on Snake Bight Trail due to the high number of mosquitoes. All in all, this is one of the best hikes in Everglades National Park and one you won’t soon forget.

Flamingo Visitor Center Nature Trail

The Flamingo Visitor Center Nature Trail is a great hike for those looking to explore the diverse habitats of Everglades National Park. Located just south of Flamingo, this 1.5-mile loop trail provides stunning views of the wetland and its inhabitants.

As you make your way around the trail, you’ll come across a wide variety of flora and fauna. You can expect to spot alligators, manatees, roseate spoonbills, and an array of other wildlife along the way. The terrain is mainly flat, making it accessible to hikers of all levels.
The trail is a great way to observe the area’s diverse ecosystems. As you walk through a hammock, you’ll be surrounded by hardwood trees including red maple and mahogany. In contrast, the coastal prairie is home to an array of grasses and palms.

In addition to its diverse vegetation, the trail also offers some great opportunities for bird watching. As you traverse the boardwalk over Taylor Slough, you can spot a variety of waterfowl such as cormorants and ibises.

The Flamingo Visitor Center Nature Trail is a great way to experience the beauty of Everglades National Park. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more challenging hike, this trail has something to offer everyone.

Gumbo Limbo Trail

Located in Everglades National Park, the Gumbo Limbo Trail is a great way to explore the beauty of the area. This trail offers an easy stroll through a tropical hardwood hammock, with plenty of shady spots to take a break and admire the scenery. Along the way you can view a variety of native plants and animals, including crocodiles, alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife.

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is approximately one mile long and winds through the beautiful hardwood forest. You’ll also find an observation deck overlooking a pond where you can watch for turtles, fish, and frogs. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for various birds like the Anhinga, Limpkin, and Purple Gallinule.

Along with enjoying the stunning views and abundant wildlife, this trail offers a chance to learn about the park’s rich history and cultural significance. There are interpretive signs along the way that provide information on the environment and its inhabitants. Plus, you’ll be able to observe some of the restoration efforts underway in the park as you explore.

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is an easy hike and perfect for families looking to experience the wonders of Everglades National Park. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk or an educational experience, this trail is sure to deliver.

Anhinga Trail

The Anhinga Trail is a popular hiking trail located in the Everglades National Park. The trail is named after the bird species, anhinga, which is commonly seen along the way. This short loop trail is approximately one-mile long and passes through freshwater marshes, hammocks, and sloughs.

The trail has a boardwalk that allows visitors to get close to the wildlife and observe them in their natural environment. Along the way, you can spot many birds such as herons, egrets, and ibis. You may even be lucky enough to spot alligators basking in the sun! As you walk along the boardwalk, take time to observe the fish swimming around in the water below. The Anhinga Trail is a great way to experience the Everglades and appreciate its beauty.

Eco Pond Trail

The Eco Pond Trail is one of the best hikes in the Everglades and offers a great opportunity to see a variety of wildlife in its natural environment. The trail is 2 miles long, making it a great option for those who are looking for a moderate length hike that can be completed in a few hours. Along the trail, you will find cypress trees, a shallow pond and a variety of other plant life that make the trail feel like an oasis in the otherwise wide-open landscape. Wildlife on this trail can include wading birds, alligators, turtles, otters and more. If you keep an eye out, you might even spot some deer or bobcats in the area. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the amazing sights of the Everglades!

Long Pine Key Nature Trail

The Long Pine Key Nature Trail is an easy 1.4-mile loop trail located in the heart of the Everglades. This trail is great for birdwatchers, as there are plenty of species to be seen along the way. The trail begins with a pleasant walk through a lush pine forest, filled with vibrant green ferns and other vegetation. Along the path, you will find several benches where you can stop and take in the natural beauty. As you get further along, you will enter a swampy area and be surrounded by water. Here, you can observe a variety of wading birds such as egrets, herons, and ibis. You may even see some alligators! The trail eventually loops back around, giving you a chance to appreciate the beauty of the pine forest again. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful stroll, the Long Pine Key Nature Trail is a great spot to visit.

Rowdy Bend Boardwalk

Located in Everglades National Park, the Rowdy Bend Boardwalk is a leisurely 1-mile loop trail that takes hikers through the tropical hardwood hammock of the Ten Thousand Islands. The boardwalk meanders through the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful sights of the park without getting their feet wet. Along the way, visitors can spot numerous species of birds, turtles, and alligators, as well as fascinating plants like gumbo limbo and wild lime trees. The boardwalk also offers stunning views of the gulf shore, providing an unforgettable experience for those looking to explore one of Florida’s most iconic parks.

Shark Valley Loop Trail

The Shark Valley Loop Trail is one of the best hikes in the Everglades. Located in the heart of Everglades National Park, this 15 mile loop offers stunning views and a chance to witness some of the unique wildlife that inhabits the area.

The trail starts off at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, located on the south side of Tamiami Trail. The trail is marked with signs and there are several points of interest along the way, including gator holes and cypress forests. At the midway point, visitors can explore a small observation tower which provides a fantastic view of the area.

The trail winds around some of the most picturesque areas of the park, with wide open plains, ponds, and plenty of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot alligators and wading birds such as herons and egrets while out on the trail.

For those looking for a longer hike, there is an option to extend the loop by 5 miles, heading down to Bobcat Island. This section of the trail offers a secluded experience, with more dense vegetation and few people.

Overall, the Shark Valley Loop Trail is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable experience in the Everglades. With plenty of points of interest, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife, this is one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Turner River Hiking Trail

If you are looking for a unique and challenging hiking experience, the Turner River Hiking Trail is the perfect choice. This 6-mile trail is located in the Big Cypress National Preserve and offers a rugged and wild terrain. This trail features an elevation of just 8 feet but has some moderate slopes along the way.

The Turner River Trail follows the Turner River and provides hikers with a chance to explore the swampy wetlands and observe some of the wildlife living in the area. Along the trail, you will see an array of birds, snakes, alligators, and other critters native to the Everglades. The trail also provides access to several remote areas, making it a great place for a secluded exploration.

The trailhead is located at the Big Cypress Oasis Ranger Station, and hikers can expect to spend about 4 hours on the trail. This is an excellent hike for more experienced hikers due to its challenging terrain, but beginners may also enjoy it. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks before embarking on this adventure!

West Lake Trail

West Lake Trail is one of the best hikes in the Everglades National Park. It is a moderate 1.5-mile loop trail located near Flamingo, FL. The trail begins in a wet sawgrass prairie before quickly transitioning to a hardwood hammock. From there, it leads you to a coastal slough, where you can take in amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Along the trail, you may see wading birds and alligators, as well as other wildlife. The trail is also home to a variety of plant life, including mangroves and palmettos. Keep an eye out for wild orchids and other flowers that grow in this beautiful environment. West Lake Trail is a great option for hikers of all skill levels who are looking for an enjoyable hike in the Everglades National Park.