Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HAPPY TRAILS
Florida has more than 8,000 miles of land-based trails and 4,000 miles of water trails
that let visitors experience the state's natural beauty up at a slower pace. In the Ever-
gladesNationalPark,trythebikingtheSharkValleyTramRoad,a15-milepavedloop
closedtomotorizedtrafficexceptthehourlytramtourvehicle.Thereisanobservation
tower (with water and bathrooms) at the halfway point offering stunning views of the
vast River of Grass. You can even rent bikes at the park's tram office on the Tamiami
Trail (U.S. Highway 41). For more information about this and other trails, check out
the “Trails” section on visitflorida.com, which provides trail details, images, videos,
blogs, maps, and related info on camping, lodgings, and outfitters.
6.
West Lake
Asthedriveheadsfarthersouth,itreachesatransitionzonewherefreshwaterfromsloughs
andwetprairiesmixeswithsaltwaterfromFloridaBayandtheGulfofMexico.Theresult-
ing nutrient-rich “soup” nourishes not only many types of fish, but salt-tolerant mangrove
trees as well. Those that surround West Lake (red, black, and white mangroves) are part
of an impenetrable labyrinth, a web of tangled branches and high knotty roots that protect
inland areas by forming a buffer against high winds.
West Lake is one of the best places here for observing the park's premier predat-
ors—alligators. Kin to animals that lived alongside the dinosaurs, they are cold-blooded
creatures who conserve energy by spending most of their time motionless. But when they
pursue their prey, they can become sprinters, able to outrun even humans for short dis-
tances.
After alligators, the park's most popular inhabitants are birds, and more than 400 spe-
cies live here. One of the best bird-watching sites is just south of the man-grove forest at
Mrazek Pond, which attracts, among other species, the rare roseate spoonbill. On winter
mornings and evenings, listen for wood storks, pelicans, and pig frogs.
The key-strewn waters of nearby Florida Bay—40 miles wide and 25 miles
long—appear more green than blue. As the drive approaches Flamingo, that color contin-
ues to dominate the scenery, which includes more than 100 different plant species.
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