Florida’s Everglades offer more than airboat rides and river tours—they reveal a coastal wilderness that stretches its paths under dense canopies, marsh edges, and hardwood forests, daring hikers to get close. Here’s a guide to the top hiking trails around Everglades National Park that balance natural immersion with practical footing for all experience levels.

1. Pa-hay-okee Overlook Trail Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip | Terrain: Boardwalk | Elevation: Minimal This short trail offers panoramic views of the vast sawgrass marshes where water dares to blend with sky. The wooden boardwalk keeps feet dry while capturing the breath-holding expanse of the Everglades’ core. It’s an ideal spot for sunrise or sunset, when the light recoils off wet grasses and distant birds push the air with their calls.

2. Anhinga Trail Distance: 0.8 miles loop | Terrain: Elevated boardwalk | Elevation: Flat Venture on the Anhinga Trail for steady sightings of wildlife that move with fierce independence—anhingas drying their wings, alligators submerged just beneath the waterline. The trail stays level, with a smooth surface that suits families and casual hikers. The dense, swampy forest envelopes the path, vibrant with the buzz of insects and the hush of flowing water.

3. Shark Valley Trail Distance: 15 miles roundtrip (can be shortened) | Terrain: Paved path | Elevation: Flat For those ready to engage with a longer trek, Shark Valley leads into the heart of the Everglades, where rivers dare to curve and habitats intersect. The paved trail runs mostly straight, inviting you to challenge your stamina while observing wading birds and elusive turtles. Bike rentals are available for a faster exploration.

4. Mahogany Hammock Trail Distance: 0.5 miles loop | Terrain: Elevated boardwalk | Elevation: Flat Step into a 1,000-year-old hardwood hammock where ancient mahogany trees stand firm. The air feels cooler here, the soil more solid, offering a change of pace from marshy ground. This trail suits anyone interested in tracing the history embedded in rooted giants.

Preparing for the Trails Florida’s coastal wilderness can be unforgiving. Hydrate before and during your hike—water bottles should be your constant companion. Footwear needs to be sturdy but breathable, with grip sturdy enough for muddy patches and slick boardwalks. Early morning or late afternoon hiking avoids the intense midday heat and increases your chances to spot wildlife waking or resting.

Respect the environment; tread lightly as these paths are home to creatures and plants fiercely themselves, existing in a delicate balance shaped by tides, rains, and seasons. Each step is an invitation to witness the Everglades’ raw pulse, to respond thoughtfully to a landscape that is both inviting and demanding.