sarahsoutdooradventures
This is the perfect trail to get a taste of Everglades National Park!
Homestead, Florida, United States
The Anhinga Trail is the perfect spot to sample all that Everglades National Park has to offer. You can find the Anhinga Trail just over an hour south of Greater Miami and Miami Beach area at the Homestead entrance.
sarahsoutdooradventures
The Anhinga Trail can be found near the Royal Palm Visitor Center
Florida, United States
The trail begins at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, less than ten minutes away from the larger Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. At the Royal Palm Visitor Center, you’ll find plenty of parking and restrooms. Ranger-led programs are often held here as well.
sarahsoutdooradventures
The trail is under a mile and is partially paved and partially boardwalk
Florida, United States
The Anhinga Trail is very easy to find behind the Royal Palm Visitor Center. It’s 0.8 miles and is a mixture of pavement and boardwalk.
sarahsoutdooradventures
Watch for wading birds. We spotted this juvenile great blue heron
Florida, United States
The trail winds through a sawgrass marsh where you could see a variety of wading birds. We spotted a juvenile great blue heron quickly. It was closely watching people walking by!
sarahsoutdooradventures
Signs along the way help identify wildlife, like the bird the trail is named after: Anhinga!
Florida, United States
Signs along the trail detail some of the wildlife you may find. The trail is named after Anhinga, which is a type of bird with a long neck and sharp beak. Anhingas can often be spotted with their wings outstretched in an effort to dry their feathers.
sarahsoutdooradventures
A trip to the Everglades isn’t complete without seeing an alligator
Florida, United States
A trip to Everglades National Park isn’t complete without seeing an alligator. Alligators play a very important part in the ecosystem of the Everglades and are considered a keystone species.
sarahsoutdooradventures
Spotted one! The water is so clear you can see the whole body
Florida, United States
We found one! This alligator was partially resting on the bank and in the water. Because the water is so clear, you can see the alligators mid-section and tail. While human conflicts with alligators are rare, it’s always important to give alligators space. We’re visiting their home!
sarahsoutdooradventures
Swing by the gift shop on your way out. There are souvenirs and snacks
Florida, United States
In addition to restrooms, there is also a gift shop at the Royal Palm Visitor Center. I purchased this book to learn more about the history of the Everglades. There are also ice cream treats available to help you cool down after your walk!
sarahsoutdooradventures
Where to next? There is so much to explore at Everglades National Park!
Florida, United States
Where to next? There is so much more to explore at Everglades National Park! You could try out the nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail or even head farther south to Flamingo where you’ll find camping, glamping, kayaking, boat tours, and more!