HIGHLIGHTS: Everglades National Park is the 3rd largest national park in the lower 48 states and it covers 2500 square miles on the southern tip of Florida. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and it has rare and endangered species which have enabled the park to be listed as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance. These hikes start near the northeastern section of Everglades National Park – a short distance from the city of Homestead, Florida. The Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo Trails are both less than a mile in length and start at the Royal Palm Visitor’s Center. That’s where the similarities end, however, as these trails couldn’t be more different. The Gumbo Limbo Trail winds through a dense hardwood forest over a paved path with limited views due to the dense canopy. In contrast, the Anhinga Trail follows a boardwalk to circle the swamp with outstanding views in all directions. Wildlife is plentiful and you are certain to see alligators, turtles, and numerous species of birds swimming the shallow waters of the swamp.
