4 Best Sights in The Everglades, Florida

Anhinga Trail

Fodor's choice
One of the most popular trails in the Everglades, Anhinga is known for its ample wildlife viewing opportunities. The 0.8-mile, wheelchair-accessible trail cuts through sawgrass marsh and allows you to see alligators, egrets, and herons, and, of course, the trail's namesake waterbirds: anhingas. It also provides close encounters (sometimes too close) with alligators that find it pleasing to sun themselves just feet from the walkways. Easy.

Florida National Scenic Trail

Florida's 1,500-mile hiking trail starts in Big Cypress National Preserve and stretches all the way to the western tip of the Panhandle, at Gulf Islands National Seashore. It's broken up into smaller trails of 6 to 28 miles each. Two 5-mile trails, Concho Billie and Fire Prairie, can be accessed in Big Cypress off Turner River Road. Pick up maps and a hiking permit at the Oasis Visitor Center. Moderate.

Mahogany Hammock Trail

This half-mile boardwalk trail, accessible for those with disabilities, takes you through a hardwood hammock where the lush vegetation includes gumbo-limbo trees and air plants. This thick canopy forest is typical of South Florida and also happens to be home to America's largest mahogany tree. Along the way, listen for the calls of birds that are hidden within the thick forest. Easy.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Turner River Paddling Trail

Spanning Big Cypress National Preserve to the north and Everglades National Park to the south, this moderately difficult paddling trail winds through almost 10 miles of Turner River marked by cypress, sawgrass prairie, and mangrove trees. Save at least five to seven hours for a full trip. If you're in Big Cypress, you can access the trail on U.S. 41 west of Turner River Road. If you're accessing from Everglades City, enter at the NPS Gulf District Ranger Station or Chokoloskee Island. Moderate.  There are four additional paddling trails within Big Cypress.