Last updated: February 23, 2021
Thing to Do
Walk the Anhinga Trail
NPS Photo/ D Turffs
The famous Anhinga Trail is a self-guided pavement and boardwalk trail winding through and over sawgrass marsh and freshwater slough. A paved path leads you along the water and to a looping boardwalk, providing views into the prairie and the clear waters of the slough. You may see alligators, fish, turtles, anhingas, and many other birds, especially during the winter, when the generally lower waters of the dry season concentrate aquatic wildlife in the slough. This is one the most popular trails in the park because of its abundance of wildlife.
As you walk, keep your senses open as songbirds may be tucked into the branches of the lumbering pond apple trees which flank the sides of the trail. Scan the surface of the water as you amble over the elevated board walk, looking for birds nestled between the branches or walking on the leaves. The Everglades was established for its wildlife and the Anhinga Trail is an easy reason to see why.
As you walk, keep your senses open as songbirds may be tucked into the branches of the lumbering pond apple trees which flank the sides of the trail. Scan the surface of the water as you amble over the elevated board walk, looking for birds nestled between the branches or walking on the leaves. The Everglades was established for its wildlife and the Anhinga Trail is an easy reason to see why.
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on the Anhinga Trail with the exception of service animals
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Anhinga Trail
The Anhinga Trail is .8 miles (1200m) round trip and is a paved path or elevated boardwalk. It is flat and has no rough terrain. It begins at the Royal Palm visitor area.
While you are at Royal Palm you can also walk the Gumbo Limbo Trail to explore the plant life that makes the tropical hardwood hammock habitat. Tropical hardwood hammocks often host migrating songbirds like warblers, vireos and thrushes, and are also home to colorful Liguus tree snails, whose shells come in an endless variety of colors and patterns.
Note: Be mindful of Black Vultures at this location, especially in winter and during morning hours. These birds have developed a habit of damaging soft material on vehicles, including weather stripping and windshield wiper blades. A limited number of tarps with bungee cords are onsite to help protect vehicles while exploring the Royal Palm area.
While you are at Royal Palm you can also walk the Gumbo Limbo Trail to explore the plant life that makes the tropical hardwood hammock habitat. Tropical hardwood hammocks often host migrating songbirds like warblers, vireos and thrushes, and are also home to colorful Liguus tree snails, whose shells come in an endless variety of colors and patterns.
Note: Be mindful of Black Vultures at this location, especially in winter and during morning hours. These birds have developed a habit of damaging soft material on vehicles, including weather stripping and windshield wiper blades. A limited number of tarps with bungee cords are onsite to help protect vehicles while exploring the Royal Palm area.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
The trail is open and popular year round. Wildlife is present at all times of the year, but is generally most abundant during the cooler and drier months of December-March. During these months, look for nesting birds, turtles and alligators.
The summer months are quieter, as many of the animals prefer to stay in the shade and water, so consider visiting the trail in the early morning summer hours to catch a glimpse of what makes this trail so special.
The summer months are quieter, as many of the animals prefer to stay in the shade and water, so consider visiting the trail in the early morning summer hours to catch a glimpse of what makes this trail so special.
Time of Day
Any Time
The trail is open 24 hours a day.
Early morning is best for songbirds, and occasionally an American Bittern or Least Bittern can also be found among the reeds. Alligators are usually easier to spot in the warmer summer months in the morning. In the winter, look for them to emerge and bask in the sun as soon as the sun gets higher.
Wading birds like herons and egrets can be seen throughout the day, as can Anhingas, cormorants, birds of prey and Purple Gallinules.
Evening and nighttime offer the opportunity to look for hard-to-find bird life, including Black-crowned Night-Herons, rails, owls, and nightjars including Chuck-Will's-Widow and Eastern Whip-poor-will. Spotting alligators at night is a popular activity along the trail.
Early morning is best for songbirds, and occasionally an American Bittern or Least Bittern can also be found among the reeds. Alligators are usually easier to spot in the warmer summer months in the morning. In the winter, look for them to emerge and bask in the sun as soon as the sun gets higher.
Wading birds like herons and egrets can be seen throughout the day, as can Anhingas, cormorants, birds of prey and Purple Gallinules.
Evening and nighttime offer the opportunity to look for hard-to-find bird life, including Black-crowned Night-Herons, rails, owls, and nightjars including Chuck-Will's-Widow and Eastern Whip-poor-will. Spotting alligators at night is a popular activity along the trail.
Accessibility Information
The Anhinga Trail is paved cement and wooden boardwalk. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible. It is flat, free of rough terrain and between 4-8 feet wide.
Pets are not allowed on the Anhinga Trail with the exception of service animals
Pets are not allowed on the Anhinga Trail with the exception of service animals