A Different Kind of Paradise - the Everglades

The Everglades are one of the most interesting national parks. It is the third largest national park system after Death Valley and Yellowstone. It is host to thousands of different species of wildlife some of which you will not see anywhere else in the world. There are so many different kinds of activities it is difficult to understand the scope of what is available. Keep in mind that the everglades has an entire park system of land and water trails and fronts hundreds of miles of ocean beach and amazing coral reefs.

It all starts with your decision to take an adventure. Keep in mind their are alligators, Pythons, Florida Panthers, moray eels, water moccasins, hawks, and bald eagles to contend with. Now you will see alligators every day but the rest are animals you will have to look closely for.

It is a strange mix of natural wonder and dangerous marsh and jungle trails. It is a safe place to bring the family and an educational experience for all.

Bicycling is a popular activity and can be rented year round at the Flamingo Marina or the Shark Valley Visitor Plaza. You will find more areas to bike than possible in an entire two week vacation. There are many areas to bike including the main roads which feature flora, fauna, and a myriad of bird life.

Canoes and Kayaks are available and are welcome with caution. There are many areas of the park that are conservation areas or dangerous areas for the general public. There are signs posted in obvious places to ensure your safety. There are so many waterways in the everglades that you will find it inviting with many choices. Canoes are available for rental at the Flamingo Marina and the concessionaires will shuttle you to the trail heads. This is an excellent way to explore the park because more than one third of the park is comprised of water ways and estuaries. You will see water birds, sea turtles, a variety of fish nd endangered manatees.

Wild life Observation is one of the most popular past times of the Everglades. With a pair of binoculars be prepared to be impressed. Even the most uninterested observer becomes fascinated with such a display of nature. It will impress you to witness so many kinds of animals living in the same area in their natural habitat. If you want to see nature at its best the Everglades are a top pick for adventure. Many species are uncommon or endangered in other parts of the world are common in this park system. The best places to see birds are Shark Valley and Royal Palm. The best times to see the animals are in the early morning and late afternoon.

Tram Tours are something that everyone can enjoy with comfort. Shark Valley hosts a fifteen mile tram tour throughout their alligator infested trail. It will shock you to be as close to the alligators as you are within the safety of a vehicle. The tram journeys through the prairie and small tree islands while the guide identifies the flora, fauna, and wildlife. 305-221-8455

Guided Hiking, Canoing, and Swamp Tromps are offered by the park rangers. Many tours are available year round but some are strictly for the summer months. Call one of the Everglades welcome centers for more details.

Camping is available at Flamingo, Long Pine Key, and Wilderness Camping is available with a back country permit. This is beach camping, inland water way camping, and forest camping. This is truly something you don't want to miss on your visit.

Walking and Hiking are very popular activities at the Everglades. The Shark Valley Loop trail is 15 miles long and is a host to alligators, birds, and assorted wildlife. Anhinga Trail is .8 miles long and winds through Taylor Slough where you may see alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, and egrets. Long Pine Key is a network of 43 miles of connecting trails. Pine land Trail is less than .5 miles and loops through pine lands and a variety of small, flowering plants. Pahayokee Overlook Trail is less than .2 miles and has an observation tower that will allow you to see for miles and miles. This is a great place to observe wildlife. Mahogany Hammock Trail is less than .5 miles and winds through dense jungle-like hardwood hammock where the largest living mahogany tree in the United States lives. West Lake Trail is less than .4 miles and wanders through red, white, black and buttonwood mangroves beside a lake. Christian Point Trail is 3.6 miles. Snake Bite Trail is 3.2 miles. Rowdy Bend Trail is 5.2 miles. Coastal Prairie Trail is 15 miles.

The Everglades is your best choice for adventure. Bring your camera, and make sure you have enough film or batteries. This will be an experience you will not soon forget.