Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical ecosystem in the continental U.S.  It includes large areas of diverse habitats, fresh and salt water, Everglades prairies, and patches of scruffy mangroves. Hiking trails lead through hammocks of vegetation, marshes and even lush pine forests. 

There are several different trails totaling hundreds of miles.  Boating, fishing, canoeing, and camping are also available. The park is a great place to observe Florida wildlife.

It is inhibited by a few dozen of Florida panthers, the remains of a much larger population living on the Florida peninsula up to the 20th century.
Much larger than the bobcat, the panther needs more territory to roam and to find its prey.

	In the north part of the park you can take a two-hour tram tour to an observation tower, where you can watch alligators, turtles, fishes, and large numbers of birds like egrets, ibises, and herons. In the western part of the park you will get a chance to see manatees, dolphins, sting rays
	and sharks, but you do need a boat or canoe to access this side of the park. The best time to visit the Everglades is from November to April.   Part of this park sustained major damage during Hurricanes Wilma and Katrina and many areas were destroyed.

Check at any of the six visitor stations for maps, guides and permits for a boat or canoe.

Also, for up to date information check the website: www.nps.gov/ever