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Anhinga Trail - Everglades National Park

Anhinga Trail is a 1.2km / 0.75mi long hike and starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center with an asphalted path. The route follows wooden ramps over Tayler Slough, a freshwater swamp. Between the saw grass and on the water you can see various animals, such as alligators, turtles, fish, anhingas and herons. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Everglades, due to its abundance of wildlife, but also its proximity to the main gate. The walk is wheelchair accessible. Our children enjoyed doing it, probably because you see a lot of animals in such a small area. They didn't think it was boring at all.

Anhinga Trail - Everglades National Park

The route along the Anhinga Trail is a swamp area where fresh water can be found all year round, however dry the period may be. It is because of this that so many animals can be seen here. We were there in April and were not bothered by mosquitoes. I suspect it's a completely different story here in June.

At the entrance to the Royal Palm Visitor Center is a large pond, in which 2 were large alligators. The entire time we were there, you saw a big rainbow on the horizon.

Where do you find the most alligators on the Anhinga Trail hike?

On our walk, which lasted about half an hour, we also saw rare, beautiful plants and trees. Also look under the wooden decking because it is there that there are also alligators to be seen. On the promenade you will find observation platforms, which offer a view of the endless swamp with saw grass.

Anhinga Trail starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Center

Anhinga Trail

You can then take a short walk, namely the Gumbo Limbo Trail. The trail starts at the entrance and passes through an area with more trees and plants. Royal Palm Visitor Center is 6 km away from the main gate.

Anhinga Trail water

Visitor center Ernest F. Coe

The Ernest F. Coe visitor center located at the main entrance, is open 365 days a year. When you enter the park, you will find the visitor center on your right. It offers educational displays, films and informational brochures. You can buy books, postcards and insect repellent in the adjacent bookstore. A series of popular hiking trails, including the Anhinga Trail, start a short drive from the visitor center. There are toilets in the visitor center.

Anhinga Trail & Park info

The entrance fee for the park was 10 $. With this ticket you get a week access to the park. This is possible through all entrances of the Everglades National Park.

Address : 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL

Mid-December to mid-April 8:00 am - 17:00 pm - Mid-April to mid-December 09:00 am - 17:00 pm

From the Royal Palm Visitor Center it is a 60 km / 37mi drive to Flamingo. You can rent canoes or kayaks at the Famingo Visitor Center. It is best to reserve it in advance. We rented two double canoes and made one canoe trip in the Everglades. The route is called Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail. One of the best activities in the Everglades. Click on the link to read the report of our canoe trip.

On the way to Flamingo you can take several short walks, such as the 260 meter short walk to the Pa-Hay-Okee lookout tower.

  • Snorkeling at the coral reefs of Key Largo
  • Roadtrip to Key West

Wim & Jessica

We created the travel blog "Globetrotter Avenue" as a hobby, but also to share travel experiences with others. In the meantime we have visited more than 40 countries. We love nature, forests and mountains, but also sun, sea and beach. When we are not traveling, you will find us in the garden. Enjoy reading!

This post has 2 responses

  1. PickAkayak

    Pics are amazing… I bet the journey went great… Florida always has a great thing to share 🙂

    1. Wim

      Yes absolutely, Florida is a fantastic place to explore with a kayak or canoe. We are always having a good time there

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