The park's main entrance is reached via SR 9336 from US 1 at Florida City. Everglades National Park, the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the nation, is a diverse and intricately linked series of habitats sheltering a variety of plants and animals, many of them threatened or endangered. The park contains more than 1.5 million acres of natural habitat, half of them water, and includes Cape Sable, the southernmost point on the U.S. mainland. From Cape Sable the park extends 45 miles north along the Gulf of Mexico and 30 miles east, including Florida Bay.
The Everglades was originally a slow-moving freshwater river, 50 miles wide and a few inches deep, fed by Lake Okeechobee. Much of the region is a labyrinth of mangrove waterways and saw grass marsh dotted with hammocks and salt prairies. Except for the pinelands and the highest hammocks, any spot can become a swamp in the rainy season.
Increased development in southern Florida imperils the area. Canals alternately drain and flood the region to meet the water demands of nearby cities, but in doing so they reverse the natural wet and dry cycles of the Everglades. Although fire occurs naturally in this environment, drought and canal drainage have magnified its destructive impact.
The land areas are not more than 8 feet above mean sea level, and bay bottoms are not more than 16 feet below mean sea level. The Ten Thousand Islands area conceals a strange kind of beauty and tranquility within its tide-swept maze of islets, oyster bars and mud shallows.
Trees and flowers are much the same as those found in Cuba and the West Indies. At least six species of palms grow within the park. The stately royal palm is found in greatest numbers at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. In addition to the tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, there are more species belonging to the temperate zone and multitudes of ferns, orchids and air plants. Beware of the saw grass; its sharp barbs can easily slash bare skin and thin clothing.
The park is home to more than 300 species of birds, 60 percent of which leave during summer. Among those that stay are two species found only in the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula: the Cape Sable seaside sparrow and the great white heron. One species that does proliferate is the mosquito; strong insect repellent is a necessity from May to November and is recommended all year.
The Everglades is among the few remaining places where the manatee, or sea cow, and the rare American crocodile are assured a permanent sanctuary. Along with more than 600 species of fish, alligators, snakes and sea turtles are common. Bottlenose dolphins occasionally are seen. A fishing license is required for all fishing areas, and bag limits are strictly enforced for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Everglades National Park is open all year. From the headquarters and visitor center at the main entrance, this road continues to Flamingo. The scenic Tamiami Trail (US 41) skirts the park's northern border and leads to the Shark Valley and Everglades City entrances.
Few people really know the waterways of the Everglades. Most of the waters have been charted by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and visitors traveling by boat should obtain these charts at area bait and tackle shops before starting their trips. Permits are required for overnight backcountry camping and must be applied for in person at ranger stations, no more than 24 hours in advance. As a safety precaution, park officials urge boaters to file trip plans before their departures.
Four marked canoe trails offer 4- to 22-mile round trips from the Flamingo area, and the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway winds between Flamingo and Everglades City. Canoe rentals are available at outfitters in Flamingo and Everglades City; visitor centers distribute trail maps.
Along the main park road between park headquarters and Flamingo are five major boardwalk or blacktop nature trails. Flamingo has a campground and a visitor center which is open November through April. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis May 1 through mid-November, otherwise by reservations; phone (239) 695-2945 for the visitor center and campsite availability or (877) 444-6777 for campground reservations.
Boat tours depart from Flamingo Marina and from the visitor center in Everglades City. Reservations are recommended for Flamingo-based tours; phone (239) 695-3101 or (239) 695-2591, respectively.
Sightseeing opportunities by independent operators are abundant. Boat trips through a portion of the Ten Thousand Islands area leave from nearby cities. Airboat rides, available outside the park, are offered by private operators along the Tamiami Trail (US 41) west of Miami and along SR 9336 near the main entrance to the park.
Self-guiding bicycle, kayak and canoe trips originate in many areas of the park; phone (305) 242-7700.
ADMISSION to the park is $10 per private vehicle or $5 per person arriving by bicycle, motorcycle or on foot.
PETS are permitted only in the park campgrounds and only if they are leashed, crated or otherwise physically restrained at all times. They are not allowed on developed trails, in the backcountry or in the visitor centers.
ADDRESS inquiries to the Superintendent, Everglades National Park, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034; phone (305) 242-7700.
The Everglades was originally a slow-moving freshwater river, 50 miles wide and a few inches deep, fed by Lake Okeechobee. Much of the region is a labyrinth of mangrove waterways and saw grass marsh dotted with hammocks and salt prairies. Except for the pinelands and the highest hammocks, any spot can become a swamp in the rainy season.
Increased development in southern Florida imperils the area. Canals alternately drain and flood the region to meet the water demands of nearby cities, but in doing so they reverse the natural wet and dry cycles of the Everglades. Although fire occurs naturally in this environment, drought and canal drainage have magnified its destructive impact.
The land areas are not more than 8 feet above mean sea level, and bay bottoms are not more than 16 feet below mean sea level. The Ten Thousand Islands area conceals a strange kind of beauty and tranquility within its tide-swept maze of islets, oyster bars and mud shallows.
Trees and flowers are much the same as those found in Cuba and the West Indies. At least six species of palms grow within the park. The stately royal palm is found in greatest numbers at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. In addition to the tropical and subtropical trees and shrubs, there are more species belonging to the temperate zone and multitudes of ferns, orchids and air plants. Beware of the saw grass; its sharp barbs can easily slash bare skin and thin clothing.
The park is home to more than 300 species of birds, 60 percent of which leave during summer. Among those that stay are two species found only in the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula: the Cape Sable seaside sparrow and the great white heron. One species that does proliferate is the mosquito; strong insect repellent is a necessity from May to November and is recommended all year.
The Everglades is among the few remaining places where the manatee, or sea cow, and the rare American crocodile are assured a permanent sanctuary. Along with more than 600 species of fish, alligators, snakes and sea turtles are common. Bottlenose dolphins occasionally are seen. A fishing license is required for all fishing areas, and bag limits are strictly enforced for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Everglades National Park is open all year. From the headquarters and visitor center at the main entrance, this road continues to Flamingo. The scenic Tamiami Trail (US 41) skirts the park's northern border and leads to the Shark Valley and Everglades City entrances.
Few people really know the waterways of the Everglades. Most of the waters have been charted by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, and visitors traveling by boat should obtain these charts at area bait and tackle shops before starting their trips. Permits are required for overnight backcountry camping and must be applied for in person at ranger stations, no more than 24 hours in advance. As a safety precaution, park officials urge boaters to file trip plans before their departures.
Four marked canoe trails offer 4- to 22-mile round trips from the Flamingo area, and the 99-mile Wilderness Waterway winds between Flamingo and Everglades City. Canoe rentals are available at outfitters in Flamingo and Everglades City; visitor centers distribute trail maps.
Along the main park road between park headquarters and Flamingo are five major boardwalk or blacktop nature trails. Flamingo has a campground and a visitor center which is open November through April. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis May 1 through mid-November, otherwise by reservations; phone (239) 695-2945 for the visitor center and campsite availability or (877) 444-6777 for campground reservations.
Boat tours depart from Flamingo Marina and from the visitor center in Everglades City. Reservations are recommended for Flamingo-based tours; phone (239) 695-3101 or (239) 695-2591, respectively.
Sightseeing opportunities by independent operators are abundant. Boat trips through a portion of the Ten Thousand Islands area leave from nearby cities. Airboat rides, available outside the park, are offered by private operators along the Tamiami Trail (US 41) west of Miami and along SR 9336 near the main entrance to the park.
Self-guiding bicycle, kayak and canoe trips originate in many areas of the park; phone (305) 242-7700.
ADMISSION to the park is $10 per private vehicle or $5 per person arriving by bicycle, motorcycle or on foot.
PETS are permitted only in the park campgrounds and only if they are leashed, crated or otherwise physically restrained at all times. They are not allowed on developed trails, in the backcountry or in the visitor centers.
ADDRESS inquiries to the Superintendent, Everglades National Park, 40001 SR 9336, Homestead, FL 33034; phone (305) 242-7700.
= Requires AAA Membership for access.