Located on the southern tip of the state of Florida (which offers amazing summer vacation destinations), the Everglades National Park is an expansive wetland preserve covering 1.5 million acres. From unique plants to incredible wildlife, there is plenty to see and do, whether spending one day in the Everglades or a week (or longer!).
Paddling trails and hiking trails are a great way to see as much of the park as possible on a visit. Plan a trip around these top hiking trails in Florida’s Everglades National Park, one of the most underrated US national parks to visit.
10 Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail (excellent for spotting alligators in the Everglades) is a wonderful starting point for exploring the park at leisure while still getting glimpses of wildlife from a safe distance. Always respect wild animals while hiking in US National Parks (or any park anywhere, for that matter). This hike is one of the best trails in the Everglades and is a popular route, although it only takes around 15 minutes to complete on average. It’s flat and features a boardwalk and pavement that is easy to navigate. Since the trail is close to the water, there’s a chance to see alligators. The trail is open year-round.
- Distance: 1.3 km
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
9 Coastal Prairie Trail
Although this trail is long, it's extremely flat, and even footing makes it suitable for novice hikers. It takes just over 3.5 hours to complete and follows an old road with lots of prairie landscapes to enjoy. It can be muddy and wet if it has rained recently, so wear suitable boots or hiking shoes for these conditions.
- Distance: 20 km
- Elevation Gain: 7 meters
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Route Type: Out and back
- Dog Friendly: No
8 Eco Pond Trail
This easy but scenic trail is a great choice for people visiting the park with limited time to explore. It only takes around 10 minutes to complete and is one of the easiest hikes in the Everglades, but it provides gorgeous views of the pond and is a fantastic area for bird-watching in all seasons.
- Distance: 0.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 1 meter
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
7 Gumbo Limbo Trail
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a popular choice for leisurely strolls and bird-watching. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete, on average, and is paved, making it a comfortable walk. It’s located close to the Anhinga Trail, so a lot of people choose to do both of these short hikes in a single afternoon.
- Distance: 0.8 km
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
6 Bobcat Boardwalk Trail
The Bobcat Boardwalk Trail is a quick loop that anyone can do year-round. Despite it being short and easy, there is plenty of wildlife to see, with many hikers reporting seeing one or more alligators along the route. As such, it's one of the best Everglades hikes for spotting the species that reside within the park from a safe and comfortable distance.
- Distance: 0.6 km
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
5 Long Pine Key Trail
The Long Pine Key Trail is a moderately difficult hike in Everglades National Park that takes around 3.5 hours to complete on average. Like most hikes in the park, there is virtually no elevation gain, which makes the long-distance more manageable. It’s a walk with lots of sun exposure and bugs, so come prepared with bug spray and sunscreen.
- Distance: 19 km
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Route Type: Out and back
- Dog Friendly: No
4 Shark Valley Tram Trail
This long but flat trail is well-maintained and popular for hiking, biking, and bird-watching all year round. Travelers can plan to spend around 4 hours completing the route and might be lucky enough to spot alligators or crocodiles along the way.
- Distance: 23.7 km
- Elevation Gain: 8 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
3 Guy Bradley Trail
The Guy Bradley Trail is a paved and level route that takes hikers on a scenic walk from or to the Flamingo Campground in Everglades National Park. Watch for alligators and crocodiles sunning themselves by the mangroves off the trail.
- Distance: 2.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 4 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Out and back
- Dog Friendly: No
2 Bayshore Loop
The Bayshore Loop Trail is a scenic and easy walk that takes just under half an hour to complete, making it one of the best hiking trails in the Everglades for those who are short on time. It is not a paved route, though, so it can become muddy and wet when it has rained recently - hikers should dress accordingly.
- Distance: 2.4 km
- Elevation Gain: 4 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No
1 Three-In-One Hiking Trail
The Three-in-one Hiking Trail in Everglades National Park takes under 15 minutes to complete on average and is a scenic walk. It gets its name because of the three different types of terrain hikers will see throughout the short loop. There is pine rock land, a freshwater marsh, and a tropical hardwood hammock. It’s near Long Pine Campground and tends to be overgrown and narrow. Wearing long pants to protect one's legs from overgrowth may make the hike more comfortable.
- Distance: 1.1 km
- Elevation Gain: 0 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Route Type: Loop
- Dog Friendly: No