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Despite all of the spectacular nature, it is my favorite moment of the day, at Everglades National Park.
“Are there any questions?” Park Ranger Ashley asks. A young girl, in a pink hat, raises her hand.
“How do I become a Park Ranger? I really want to be a Park Ranger someday.” Park Ranger Ashley’s eyes sparkle.
“After I’m done the tour, come see me, and we can talk all about how you can become a Park Ranger.” The little girl nods with glee. I hope years from now, as we continue to explore National Parks, that girl, grown-up, will be our Park Ranger tour leader.
The Coe/Flamingo area of Everglades National Park, is a park that requires a plan of attack.
After a stop at the Coe Visitor Center, to pick up a map, and your stamp, if you are so inclined, there are two options, most people take
- Starting at the park entrance, driving the Ingraham Highway, while stopping at the trails along the way. Ending the day at Flamingo Visitor Center, before driving the highway back to the park entrance.
- Or driving straight through from Coe Visitor Center to Flamingo Visitor Center, without stopping, making Flamingo the day’s starting point. Then stopping at trails along the way, as you drive back to the park entrance.
We choose option #2, and start our adventure, by driving straight to the Flamingo Visitor Center.
Flamingo Visitor Center
The Flamingo Visitor Center has its own National Park Cancellation Stamp.
There are restrooms and snacks available at Flamingos.
Most people come to visit the marina for a manatee fix. Visitors’ stand at waters’ edge to catch a glimpse of the massive, beautiful, mammals.
Sightings at the marina are not guaranteed, so if you want to increase your chances of seeing sea cows, you can book one of the boat tours, that leave the marina daily. Since we swam with manatees on a previous trip, we forgo the boat tour.
There is also other wildlife to view.
There is a campground and various trails in the Flamingo area of the park. We opt to walk the Eco Pond Trail, which is an easy loop. It’s an interesting site, but there is no shade on the loop, and the flies are aggressive.
Mahogany Hammock Trail
The flat, easy, boardwalk loop, is bursting with trees. Branches balance over the boardwalk, covered by leaves, spanning the green spectrum from dull to dazzling. Vines dangle and lizards scurry.
It’s my favorite trail of the day, as it sparks memories of trails explored during trips to Central America.
Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower Trail
Not as toweresque as the Shark Valley Observation Tower, the Pa-Hay-Okee lookout is more of an observation deck.
As the day progresses, I’m gaining a great appreciation for boardwalk trails. I marvel at this trail due to my new-found passion for bald cypress trees. This trail is a bald cypress lovers’ dream. Opposite of the Mahogany Hammock Trail, that envelopes you with leaves and branches, Pa-Hay-Okee, reveals a fluffy cloud, vibrant blue sky.
Gumbo Limbo Trail and Anhinga Trail
The Gumbo Limbo Trail and Anhinga Trail begin at the same spot. The trail area includes restrooms and a shop. In the shop, there is a National Park Cancellation Stamp, just for this section of the Everglades National Park.
If you have time, walk both trails, but if you only have time for one trail, be sure to experience the Anhinga Trail. It is the most well-known and visited trail in Everglades National Park, and for good reason.
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a shaded forest trail, where you will see many red Gumbo Limbo trees.
The Anhinga trail is a boardwalk that provides breathtaking, water views.
We arrive at the Anhinga trail, just as a free, Park Ranger lead tour begins. Park Ranger Ashley, leads the group along the boardwalk, stopping every few minutes to explain the landscape and wildlife.
There are several children on the tour.
It gives me hope for the world, as they pay close attention to every word and fact Park Ranger Ashley presents. They are enthralled by the nature, as am I. This path showcases marshmallow clouds against a vivid blue sky.
Juxtaposed with delicate, waterlily filled waters, the scene could be an Everglades National Park, Monet painting.
All of the kids are on alligator patrol. A clever hider is finally spotted.
Since we wanted this day to be a sampler, giving us the opportunity to witness multiple types of landscapes, we skip the longer, more strenuous trails. If you like a physical challenge, those trails do exist in this section of the park. There are also a few paddle trails that require a canoe or kayak.
A day spent at the Coe/Flamingo section of Everglades National Park is worth the visit. Even if you aren’t up for walking or hiking any of the trails, the drive through the park is beautiful. If you want to experience nature up close, do some research ahead of time, to choose which walks/hikes are best for you. I’m a fan of the website alltrails.com. You can look up most walking/hiking trails to get accurate information regarding the difficulty, duration, and landscape.
I believe Everglades National Park is underrated. When people think of a United States National Park, their minds float to soaring redwoods, mountains, fuzzy animals, and waterfalls, and yes, those parks are spectacular, but bald cypress trees, tranquil swamp waters, and alligators, so many alligators, are no less arresting. Everyone should visit Everglades National Park at least once.
If you want to visit other National Park Sites in the area, check out
Everglades National Park-Shark Valley
Stay in Homestead-Florida as your base
