Hiking
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Luckily, the wildlife is plentiful and easy to spot - even if you're not walking off the beaten path.
Here are some of the park's more popular, short nature trails:
Anhinga Trail
A 20-minute, wheelchair accessible, self-guided trail that begins at the Royal Palm Visitor's Center. The elevated boardwalk makes this an ideal vantage point for observing wildlife such as alligators, wood storks, blue herons, snowy egrets and roseate spoonbills. This trail, so close to the park entrance, is also one of the most reliable places to view wildlife. Alligators, cormorants and great blue heron alike seem to tolerate visitors and allow close observation. It is this area, teeming with watchable wildlife, that was first preserved as a state park that formed the nucleus of the national park.
Gumbo-Limbo Trail
A half-mile loop at the Royal Palm Visitor's Center that takes you through the large, shaded gumbo limbo trees, also jokingly referred to as "tourist trees" because of their red, peeling bark. The trail is also wheelchair accessible.
Shark Valley
A 15-mile paved loop that leads from the Visitor's Center to an observation tower and back. A good spot to see alligators, birds, fish and turtles. A two-hour tram ride also covers the trail. it's also a popular place for biking; bikes are available for rent at the Visitor's Center.
West Lake Trail
A half-mile trail at Flamingo that meanders through a forest of white, black and red mangrove trees. It is wheelchair accessible.
Old Ingraham Highway
Those seeking a long hike or a bike ride should consider the Old Ingraham Highway. Once the road to Flamingo, the paved trail now takes visitors 11 miles into the Glades, through open marshes and occasional dense cypress swamps. The trail starts near Royal Palm and unfortunately begins in a habitat-restoration area where noisy cranes are at work clearing exotic species. Once past the construction zone, the trail features the sights and sounds of many gators and birds. The trail is popular with mountain bikers.
Consult the park map for specific directions to these trails.