Covering almost the entire tip of Florida is the western hemisphere's largest mangrove estuary - Everglades National Park. This is a biologically rich wilderness consisting of over 1.3 million acres of paddling wonderland. The Everglades' natural beauty and wildlife abundance are world renowned, home to over 300 species of birds, and the most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds in North America, making it the perfect location for bird watching .
The intermingling of plant and animal species from both the tropical and temperate zones, plus the merging of fresh and saltwater habitats, provide the vast biological diversity that makes Everglades National Park unique. Protected within the park are endangered West Indies manatees, green Ridley, hawksbill and leatherback sea turtles, American crocodile, alligator, wood stork, and Florida panther. It is also home to the largest continuous stand of saw grass prairie in North America.
For paddlers, the park offers wonderful camping along its pristine Florida beaches. In the interior, the Wilderness Waterway is a kayaker's dream, a marked, 99-mile passage through protected waters, typically a seven-day paddle with designated campsites strategically placed along the route. The park is also a wonderfully abundant fishery. With the re-discovery of the kayak as a fishing platform, these plentiful waters are being experienced by the ardent kayak angler as well as the "fresh fish for dinner" touring kayaker.
Beautiful as it is, this Florida state park is so vast that many paddlers cannot enjoy its full richness due to the physical demands of long distance paddling. Fortunately, several operations have now opened up to provide mothership services into the park. Kayak anglers can be transported deep into the area on day trips, or groups of paddlers along with their kayaks and gear can be delivered or picked up anywhere they choose.
Kayaking day trips:
Mud Lake Loop
6.8 mile (10.9 km) loop from Coot Bay Pond, four miles (6 km) north of Flamingo. Enjoy a variety of habitats on this loop connecting the Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, Mud Lake, and the Bear Lake Canoe Trail. Birding is often good in Mud Lake. Accessible from the Bear Lake Trailhead or Coot Bay Pond. Motors are prohibited on Mud Lake, Bear Lake, and the Bear Lake Canal.
Nine Mile Pond Loop
5.2 miles (8.3 km) round trip. Eleven miles (18 km) north of Flamingo. A scenic trail through a shallow sawgrass marsh with scattered islands of mangroves. Watch for alligators, wading birds, and an occasional eagle. Trail marked with numbered white poles. Motors are prohibited.
Noble Hammock Trail
2 mile (3.2 km) loop. Nine miles (14 km) north of Flamingo. This trail winds through a maze of shady mangrove-lined creeks and small ponds and sharp corners and narrow passageways require good maneuvering skills. Enjoy a "crash" course. Check for low water levels during the dry season. Motors are prohibited. A calm trail on a windy day.
West Lake Trail
7.7 miles (12.3 km) one way to Alligator Creek. Seven miles (11 km) north of Flamingo. Paddle through a series of large open lakes connected by narrow creeks lined with mangroves. Good alligator and crocodile habitat. West Lake is closed to vessels with motors greater than 5.5 hp. Motors are prohibited from the east end of West Lake to Garfield Bight. Not recommended on windy days due to exposed, rough waters.
Hells Bay Trail
3.0 miles (4.8 km) to Lard Can campsite; 3.5 miles (5.4 km) to Pearl Bay Chickee; 5.5 miles (8.8 km) to Hells Bay Chickie. Nine miles (14 km) north of Flamingo. "Hell to get into and hell to get out of," old timers claimed. This sheltered route weaves through mangrove creeks and ponds to a series of small bays beyond Lard Can. The trail is marked with more than 160 numbered poles. Motors are prohibited from the trail head to Lard Can. Back country permit is required for overnight camping and Pearl Bay Chickie is wheelchair accessible.
Florida Bay
Distance varies. Opportunities abound! Watch birds (particularly at Snake Bight during medium to high tide), fish, or enjoy the scenery of the bay. Visit Bradley Key (during daylight hours only), the only nearby key open to landing.
Canoeing is an excellent way to explore the Everglades, because more than one third of the park is made up of marine areas and shallow estuaries. Check at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers for maps and directions. Canoes may be rented at Flamingo and Gulf Coast.
Tides and winds can significantly affect your canoe trip so don't overestimate your abilities. Suggested equipment includes flotation devices (required by law), paddles, a bailer, bow and stern lines, waterproof bags for gear, a tide chart, water (1 gallon / 4 liters per person), long shirt and pants for sun and insect protection, a wide-brimmed hat, shoes that can get wet, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
|
