Florida - Eastern USA - page 911

The park has three main entrances and areas: in the south along Rte 9336 through
Homestead and Florida City to Ernest Coe Visitor Center and, at road's end, Flamingo;
along the Tamiami Trail/Hwy 41 in the north to Shark Valley; and on the Gulf Coast near
Everglades City.
The main park entry points have visitor centers where you can get maps, camping per-
mits and ranger information. You only need to pay the entrance fee (per car/ pedestrian
$10/5 for seven days) once to access all points.
Even in winter it's almost impossible to avoid mosquitoes, but they're ferocious in
summer: bring strong repellent. Alligators are also prevalent. As obvious as it sounds,
never, ever feed them: it's illegal and is a sure way to provoke attacks. Four types of
poisonous snakes call the Everglades home; avoid all snakes, just in case, and wear long,
thick socks and lace-up boots.
Sights & Activities
Shark Valley PARK
( 305-221-8776; www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm ; 36000 SW 8th St; car/cyclist
$10/5; 9:15am-5:15pm) One of the best places to dip your toe into the Everglades (fig-
uratively speaking) is Shark Valley, where you can take an excellent two-hour tram tour
( 305-221-8455; www.sharkvalleytramtours.com ; adult/child $20/12.75) along a 15-mile as-
phalt trail and see copious amounts of alligators in the winter months. Not only do you
get to experience the park from the shady comfort of a breezy tram, but the tours are nar-
rated by knowledgeable park rangers who give a fascinating overview of the Everglades.
The pancake-flat trail is perfect for bicycles, which can be rented at the entrance for
$7.50 per hour. Bring water with you.
Ernest Coe Visitor Center PARK
( 305-242-7700; www.nps.gov/ever ; Hwy 9336; 9am-5pm) Those with a day to give the
Glades could start with this visitor center in the south. It has excellent, museum-quality
exhibits and tons of activity info: the road accesses numerous short trails and lots of top-
drawer canoeing opportunities. Call for a schedule of fun ranger-led programs, such as
the two-hour 'slough slog.' At the nearby Royal Palm Area ( 305-242-7700; Hwy 9336) ,
you can catch two short trails: the Anhinga Trail is great for wildlife spotting, especially
alligators in winter; and the Gumbo-Limbo Trail showcases plants and trees.
Flamingo Visitor Center PARK