The National Geographic Traveler: Florida
						EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARKS
		Earth, sky and a whole lot of water blend together to create the Everglades National Park. In fact, more than one third of the park is made up of marine areas and shallow estuaries. So one of the best ways to get a real feel for the park is by boat, canoe or kayak. What will you see? The park is known for its rich bird life, particularly large wading birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, great blue heron along with a variety of egrets. In fact, over 300 species of birds have been recorded, seven of which are rare or endangered. It is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles exist side by side. If you're lucky you may spot them along with the parks more than 36 threatened or endangered animal species such as the Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, and the Cape Sable seaside sparrow. The park's plant life is just as rich and varied. The park is home to both temperate and tropical plant communities, including sawgrass prairies, mangrove and cypress swamps, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks, as well as marine and estuarine environments. Among its more colorful plants are Bromeliads and orchids. (As many as 25 varieties of orchids have been found in the park, in addition to over 1000 other kinds of seed-bearing plants and 120 species of trees.) For Water Lovers For mainstream tourism travel, boat tours are available year-round at Flamingo and Gulf Coast. For information and reservations, call Flamingo Lodge Boat Tours at 941-695-3101, or Everglades National Park Boat Tours at 941-695-2591. If you opt to bring your own boat, Flamingo Marina is open year-round and can accommodate more than 50 boats with electric and water hookups. (The channel accepts a four foot maximum draft.) Boat ramps are located at Flamingo, West Lake, and Little Blackwater Sound on Key Largo. (All vehicles entering the park with any type of watercraft are charged a boat launch fee.) Or for a more back-to-nature approach, try canoeing. If you don't have your own canoe, you can rent one at Flamingo and Gulf Coast. In any case, you'll want to check at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers for maps, directions and information about the tides. For Landlubbers If you're pressed for time or not too keen on watercraft, another option is ranger-led walks and talks which are offered year-round from the Royal Palm Visitor Center west of the main entrance, and at Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast during the winter months. (If you'd prefer to go it alone, click to http://everglades.areaparks.com for hiking information by region.) Another option for seeing the sights is taking a tram tour; tours are available at Shark Valley year round. 305-221-8455. Camping Out Flamingo Campground is at the end of the main park road in Flamingo. It has 234 drive-in sites, including 55 with a view of the water, and 64 walk-up sites (20 on the water's edge). It has cold water showers, picnic tables, grills and a public telephone. Be sure to check out the observation tower at Eco Pond, located adjacent to the campground area along with several hiking and canoe trails, and opportunities for saltwater fishing. Limited groceries and camping supplies are available at the Flamingo Marina store. Reservations at 1-800-365-CAMP; more information 305-242-7700 Long Pine Key Campground is 7 miles from the main entrance. It has 108 drive up sites for tents and RVs. There are restrooms, water and telephones, but no showers or hookups. Reservations at 1-800-365-CAMP; more information 305-242-7700 When to Go The Everglades is mild and pleasant from December through April, although occasional cold fronts may create near freezing conditions. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures around 90 degrees (32°C) and humidity over 90 percent. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and there are lots of mosquitoes. The Atlantic Hurricane Season is June-November. Getting There Main Park Entrance and Flamingo: Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park. Shark Valley Entrance: On Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike exit for S.W. 8th Street. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to Shark Valley. Gulf Coast: 5 miles south of Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) on Highway 29, south of Everglades City. Chekika: 6 miles west of Krome Avenue (State Road 997/SW 177th Ave.) on 168th Street. Getting In The main park entrance (near Homestead and Florida City) is open 24 hours a day. The Shark Valley entrance is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Chekika is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park waters are open 24 hours a day.
									Trails Illustrated Map: FL - Everglades
				HOME