If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further than Everglades National Park.

Created in 1934, Everglades National Park is considered the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

The park is home to various wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and Florida panthers.

In 1979, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site, meaning the park has legal protection by the international convention administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In 1997, it was listed as a Wetland of International Importance.

With over 1,500 square miles of swamps, marshes, and forests to explore, this park has something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, a hike in Everglades National Park is sure to please!

In this blog post, we'll look at 5 of the best hikes within the park.

Let's jump in.

Snake Bight Trail

Flat and perfect to see both the inner lush green sawgrass and the outer salty water. 

Snake Bight Trail is a great hike for all ages because of the incredible colors the environment shows off. 

Don't let the trail's name scare you — snakes are not in abundance here. The word bight actually means a curve in a coastline or river.

This trail is one of the best to see the different types of wading birds that make the Everglades their home.

Be sure to visit the beautiful boardwalk that was recently rebuilt after being destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Total Distance: 3.6 miles 

Elevation Grade: 3.2 feet 

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking, Biking

Route Type: Out & Back

Other Info: 

• Everglades National Park charges a fee to use trails inside the park
• Bikes are not allowed on the boardwalk
• No dogs allowed on the trail
• Bug spray is recommended in the hot months when using this trail

Double Dome Wet Walk 

We wanted to highlight an extremely unique trail that will take you out of your comfort zone.

Double Dome Wet Walk is a short trail, but as the name suggests, this hike will have you walking through water — sometimes up to your waist! The water is murky, and you can't see your feet, so be prepared to feel a little uneasy at first.

In this backwood trail, you'll get a deep wilderness experience, unlike anything else in the park.

But be warned, this trail isn't for beginners or kids, as the water level can be unpredictable and it’s possible to run into wildlife — like alligators, snakes, and a variety of other critters.

If you are a more advanced hiker, this is one trail you don't want to miss.

Total Distance: 0.62 miles 

Elevation Grade: 0 feet 

Difficulty: Hard — Hiking, Sometimes swimming

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Everglades National Park charges a fee to use trails inside the park
• No dogs allowed on the trail
• Bug spray is recommended in the hot months when using this trail
• Water is present on this trail, pack and prepare accordingly
• The NPS frequently offers ranger-guided hikes in this area, and reservations can be arranged here.

Mahogany Hammock Trail 

One of the best trails for bird-watching enthusiasts in Everglades National Park, Mahogany Hammock Trail takes you through one of the park's largest stand of mahogany trees.

The mahogany trees provide shade and create a canopy over the trail, making it a perfect hike for hot summer days. 

You'll also see giant leather ferns, orchids, and bromeliads along the way.

This is a great trail for bird watching, as you're likely to see a variety of birds that call all these trees home.

Total Distance: 0.37 miles 

Elevation Grade: 0 feet 

Difficulty: Easy — Walking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Everglades National Park charges a fee to use trails inside the park
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• This trail is mostly paved

Anhinga Trail 

One of the most popular trails in Everglades National Park, the Anhinga Trail, is a must-do when visiting the park. 

The trail forms a loop that takes you through a sawgrass marsh where you're likely to see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife that call the Everglades home.

You'll also see a variety of wading birds — make sure to bring your binoculars!

The trail gets its name from the anhinga, a bird you're likely to see on the trail. This waterbird is sometimes called a "snakebird" because of its long neck.

Total Distance: 0.80 miles 

Elevation Grade: 0 feet 

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Hiking

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Everglades National Park charges a fee to use trails inside the park
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly
• No dogs allowed on this trail
• Little to no shade on this trail; use sunscreen to avoid sunburns

Shark Valley Tram Trail 

Don't worry; you won't be running into any sharks on this trail!

Shark Valley is a long loop that takes you in and out of the beautiful sawgrass prairie.

This is a beautiful trail for wildlife spotting and seeing some beautiful plant life, but don't expect to see it all on foot as the trail is 15 miles long!

One of the best ways to experience this trail is on your bike!

The entirely paved trail lets you experience the Everglades faster on bike, and you can cover more ground in less time.

You will visit the 45-foot observation tower, where you’ll enjoy a 360 view of the whole Shark Valley area.

This is a perfect option for those short on time or for families with small children.

If the length of the trail seems intimidating, you can take advantage of a fully guided tram tour that departs from the Shark Valley Visitor Center.

Total Distance: 15.7 miles 

Elevation Grade: 22.9 feet 

Difficulty: Easy — Walking, Biking, Running, Tram Tour

Route Type: Loop

Other Info:

• Everglades National Park charges a fee to use trails inside the park
• This trail is wheelchair and stroller friendly
• Two hour narrated tram tours are offered on the road several times a day
• Picnic tables and benches are accessible on this trail

No matter the trail you choose, you're sure to have a extraordinary time exploring all that 

Everglades National Park offers! 

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.

Be sure to check out more of our trail guides for other national parks around the country and get out there this season!