Last updated: April 15, 2021
Thing to Do
Birding Snake Bight Trail
NPS Photo/ R DiPietro
Don’t let the name scare you! Snake Bight does not refer to a reputation of snake attacks, but rather to the water formation; a bight is a name for a smaller bay within a larger bay. This unpaved backcountry trail offers views of the mangrove habitat where large, mixed flocks of wading birds including egrets, herons, ibis, storks and spoonbills gather and move around looking for food, mainly during the dry season. There is also a chance of seeing both alligators and crocodiles along the canal next to the trail.
Snake Bight Trail can be walked any time of year, but is easiest to walk in the winter when mosquitoes are not abundant. This trail offers the opportunity to see birds restricted to coastal habitats, including Reddish Egret. Other species of shorebirds such as Greater Yellowlegs, Black-necked Stilt, Black-bellied Plover and various other sandpipers can also be found. Shorebirds are most easily observed during high tide when water forces birds off mudflats farther out on Florida Bay and inland towards the shore.
Note: In the summer, mosquitoes are in abundance in the mangrove, coastal prairie and marsh habitats. Be sure to bring extra protection when recreating in this area during the summer, including bug spray, long sleeves and bug jackets. A full head net may be needed in some areas.
Details
Duration
1-4 Hours
1-2 hours on land
3-4 hours on water
Exploring Snake Bight can be done as either a hike on land or a paddling trip on the water. Paddling trips can take multiple hours depending on tides. Check tide forecasts at Flamingo before launching; tides at Snake Bight are roughly two hours behind those at Flamingo.
3-4 hours on water
Exploring Snake Bight can be done as either a hike on land or a paddling trip on the water. Paddling trips can take multiple hours depending on tides. Check tide forecasts at Flamingo before launching; tides at Snake Bight are roughly two hours behind those at Flamingo.
Activity
Birdwatching
For an enhanced view of Snake Bight, you can also rent a canoe or kayak out of Flamingo and paddle 2.5 miles north to the bight. By water, the view includes a wider range of the bight not visible from land due to the advancement of mangrove growth. Though they are a very rare occurrence, paddling provides the best chance of seeing American Flamingoes within the park.Two miles further down the road from the Snake Bight Trail is Rowdy Bend Trail, which provides an excellent example of the coastal prairie habitat before rejoining with Snake Bight Trail near the bay.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on trails or in wilderness areas.
Activity Fee
No
If you choose to access Snake Bight by water, the Flamingo Adventures concessionaire service offers canoe and kayak rentals. Prices vary based on how many people a vessel seats and length of rental time.
Location
Snake Bight Trail
Snake Bight Trail is a shorter-distance option among the backcountry trails along the Main Park Road. It is a straight-distance 1.5-mile trail leading south from the Main Park Road to a small observation platform at the water’s edge.
Reservations
No
For canoes and kayaks, reservations are recommended during the winter season.
Season
Year Round
Spring- Northward spring migration can bring many shorebirds, which are most easily identified in their breeding plumage at this time of year.
Summer- Although mosquitoes are most abundant during the summer and fall, this is the best time of year to look for hard-to-find resident birds, including Mangrove Cuckoo and Black-whiskered Vireo, which both breed in the mangrove habitats.
Fall- The overlap of fall migration season and peak tropical weather season can result in massive fallouts of shorebirds along Florida Bay.
Winter- Large, mixed flocks of herons, egrets, ibis, Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills can be seen in the mangroves along the trail, and American White Pelicans can be seen soaring overhead. At the end of the trail, look for shorebirds, Reddish Egrets, Bald Eagles and Ospreys, especially at high tide.
Summer- Although mosquitoes are most abundant during the summer and fall, this is the best time of year to look for hard-to-find resident birds, including Mangrove Cuckoo and Black-whiskered Vireo, which both breed in the mangrove habitats.
Fall- The overlap of fall migration season and peak tropical weather season can result in massive fallouts of shorebirds along Florida Bay.
Winter- Large, mixed flocks of herons, egrets, ibis, Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills can be seen in the mangroves along the trail, and American White Pelicans can be seen soaring overhead. At the end of the trail, look for shorebirds, Reddish Egrets, Bald Eagles and Ospreys, especially at high tide.
Time of Day
Any Time
Early morning is best for songbirds.Wading birds like shorebirds, herons and egrets can be seen throughout the day, though their movements are largely dependent on tides. Check the Flamingo Visitor Center for updates on tidal predictions.
Accessibility Information
Snake Bight Trail is bicycle and stroller accessible, but due to rough, unpaved terrain is not accessible for wheelchairs.Pets are not allowed on the walking trails with the exception of service animals.