Everglades National Park
Activities & Programs
Bicycling is a popular activity in Everglades National Park. Bicycles can be rented year-round at the Flamingo Marina and the Shark Valley Visitor Plaza.
Fishing in the inland and coastal waters of the Everglades is excellent and can be enjoyed year-round. Snapper, sea trout, redfish, bass, bluegill, tarpon and snook are plentiful. Saltwater fishing areas include Florida Bay, Ten Thousand Islands and elsewhere in the park's coastal zone. Freshwater and saltwater fishing require separate Florida fishing licenses.
Skiffs and canoes are also available for rent at Flamingo. Please call (239) 695-3101 for more information.
Wildlife observation in the Everglades is very rewarding. Hundreds of egrets, herons, wood storks and other water birds feed here. Some species that are uncommon or endangered throughout other parts of the world are relatively common here. The best places to see birds are at Shark Valley and Royal Palm, particularly in the dry, winter months. The best times to see birds and animals are the early morning and late afternoon.
The Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm is one of the most dependable areas for wildlife viewing. Also, the region with cypress trees on the main park road near Rock Reef Pass, 10 miles west of the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is particularly good for wildlife viewing.
Guided hiking, canoeing and swamp tromps are offered by park rangers. Numerous tours are available on a year-round basis at Everglades National Park, but schedules are limited in the summer months. Call ahead or check the park's web page for current schedules.
Tram tours are a great way to see the Everglades. A two-hour guided Tram Tour is available at the Shark Valley Visitor Plaza.
The tram tour journeys through the sawgrass prairie that is dotted with small tree islands. Guides identify trees, plants, birds, alligators and other points of interest. The tour stops at an observation tower to provide a panoramic view of the Everglades. For reservations call Shark Valley Tram Tours at (305) 221-8455.
Backcountry cruises of the Flamingo area and other tours are available from Everglades City and Flamingo. For reservations and schedules call (239) 695-2591 or the Flamingo Marina at (239) 695-3101.
Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the area because more than one-third of the park is comprised of marine areas and estuaries under shallow water. Water birds, sea turtles, a variety of fish and endangered -manatees live in the park's waterways where food is plentiful. Rental canoes are available at Flamingo marina. Times and distances for the following canoe trails are one-way and -estimated.
Noble Hammock Trail: Two-mile loop, one-to-two hours.
Hell's Bay Trail: Three miles to Lard Can, two hours; 3.5 miles to Pearl Bay, three to four hours; 5.5 miles to Hell's Bay Chickee, five to six hours.
West Lake Trail: 7.7 miles, five to six hours.
There is no transport to Nine Mile Pond Trail (5.2 miles, three to four hours). Canoes are located there.
All of these water trails begin near Flamingo and offer excellent opportunities to explore the park's backcountry, where you have the opportunity to see the many animals and plants that are part of the unique ecology of Everglades National Park. Check with the Flamingo Visitor Center for mosquito and trail conditions.
The Wilderness Waterway is a 99-mile inland water route between Flamingo and Everglades City (six to eight hours with an outboard motor, eight to 10 days by canoe). Numbered markers guide you through mangrove forests, through Whitewater Bay and around countless islands. Boats more than 18 feet in length or with high cabins and windshields should not attempt the trip because of narrow channels and over-hanging vegetation. Campsites are available along the route. A backcountry camping permit is required if you will be staying overnight. Permits may be obtained in person at the Flamingo or Everglades City visitor centers. Rental canoes are available in Everglades City and Flamingo marina for this trip.
Everglades In Depth
News from the Parks
Alexander Backs New Source of Funding for National Parks
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
July 3, 2008 - 9:38am
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today announced he will cosponsor bipartisan legislation to create a new source of funding for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other national parks across the country as part of the “Centennial Challenge” celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Park System in 2016. “The Centennial Challenge could bring up to $4 million to the Smokies – the country’s most visited national park – and will go a long way toward improving park facilities, aiding conservation efforts, and helping build upon the excellent visitor services already offered. This 4th of July, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than backing legislation that will aid efforts to preserve and celebrate our national parks, one of America’s greatest treasures.”
EPA's Pollution Plan Slammed
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
July 3, 2008 - 9:35am
City officials and business leaders here Wednesday warned that a federal proposal to relax air quality standards for the nation's national parks will ultimately be bad for business. Simply put, they said during a news conference at the entrance to Zion National Park, lower air standards being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hurt this gateway city economically if fewer tourists visit the park. "Air pollution could damage the stars, vistas and clean air we enjoy," Springdale Mayor Pat Cluff said. "Some places deserve to be preserved and it is my responsibility to preserve [the park] for those who come here."
Dinosaur Fossils In Utah Inspire 'Jr. Paleontologists'
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
July 2, 2008 - 9:57am
Millions of years ago, northeastern Utah was a hot spot for dinosaurs. Today, people travel to the Dinosaur National Monument located on the borders of Colorado and Utah to see the leftover dinosaur bones. Visitors can see as many as 1,500 Jurassic-era fossils exposed on the cliff face of the Douglass Quarry.
A Paiute Take On Bryce Canyon's Hoodoos
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
July 2, 2008 - 9:56am
The red spindly rock formations that make up the views at Bryce Canyon National Park are called hoodoos. Geologists say they were formed by erosion, but Kevin Poe, chief of interpretation at Bryce, shares his take on the Paiute legend about hoodoos.
Can The Everglades Be Saved?
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
July 2, 2008 - 9:55am
Environmentalists have been issuing dire warnings about the deterioration of the Florida Everglades for years, saying these wetlands have to be restored in order to revive fragile ecosystems and increase scarce fresh water supplies. Over half of the Everglades are gone, irreversibly converted to urban or agricultural development. But this week, in an attempt to save what's left, the state of Florida announced a plan to buy nearly 200,000 acres of former wetlands from a sugar cane producer. Advocates say the plan is the largest restoration project in American history.
