Anhinga Trail
Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park: Address, Phone Number, Anhinga Trail Reviews: 4.5/5
Anhinga Trail
Anhinga Trail
4.5
About
A half-mile boardwalk along a man-made canal with striking views.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,428 reviews
Excellent
1,058
Very good
269
Average
71
Poor
20
Terrible
10
The Hiking Harpist
Boston, MA54 contributions
Jan 2020
This is the most popular trail at the Everglades, and for good reason. It's easily accessible, and the wooden boardwalks let you walk above the water. You can look down and see wildlife including birds, turtles, and alligators. I was there early morning and brought my harp, and an alligator stopped to listen before swimming away. A once-in-a-lifetime experience! Take your time and walk to every nook and cranny of the trail. Then afterwards, stop by the Gumbo Limbo trail to see the tree canopies.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ashley B
6 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
We loved our walk on the Anhinga trail. We were lucky that a park ranger was out about halfway, answering questions and helping point out wildlife. She also let folks use her binoculars, so if you have your own, I'd recommend bringing some; they definitely help. Yes, beware of vultures. There are some tarps at the visitor center right by the trail you can borrow to cover your car, but they are limited.
Written January 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Darrel B
New Cumberland, PA159 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We took the 60 minute ranger led Anhinga Amble. We saw a number of aligators, including one sunning himself on the trail, and frogs and many birds. The park ranger pointed out plants and animals, and not only told us about them, but also about the ecosystem and their relation to it. We came away with a much better understanding of the Everglades ecosystem and the plant and animal life in it. I greatly recommend the free 60 minute ranger led Anhinga Amble at 10:30 a.m. daily.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jamie J
4 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
The park is beautiful, and the trail is beautiful. This was our second visit. The first visit was full of wild life in the spring. This last visit a week ago had only a couple gators, which could be due to recent hurricanes.
⚠️ However this review isn’t about the trail itself. While we were walking the trail, someone broke into our car with a crow bar or something similar, and stole a laptop, credit & debit cards, cash, & AirPods. They do say never leave valuables in your car, but we also were on a road trip and didn’t plan on walking with a laptop bag, etc. So when you do visit, take everything with you! We had the car locked and they made it very unnoticeable. They also spent about $2500 on the cards at stores in the Miami area.
⚠️ However this review isn’t about the trail itself. While we were walking the trail, someone broke into our car with a crow bar or something similar, and stole a laptop, credit & debit cards, cash, & AirPods. They do say never leave valuables in your car, but we also were on a road trip and didn’t plan on walking with a laptop bag, etc. So when you do visit, take everything with you! We had the car locked and they made it very unnoticeable. They also spent about $2500 on the cards at stores in the Miami area.
Written November 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Gary L
4 contributions
Dec 2021
I've read dozens of reviews that said this was THE trail to walk—that there were so many animals, it was almost Disneylike.
When we went, we saw exactly one turtle, a handful of cormorants, one Anhinga from a distance, a couple of fishes, and the speck of some gallinules. I know you can't predict the animals but man was this overhyped. Maybe we just came at the wrong time of day? (10 AM.) Also, I cannot recommend this enough... bring binoculars or your most expensive telescopic lens lol.
Nice scenery full of lily pads though. Straight out of a Monet painting.
When we went, we saw exactly one turtle, a handful of cormorants, one Anhinga from a distance, a couple of fishes, and the speck of some gallinules. I know you can't predict the animals but man was this overhyped. Maybe we just came at the wrong time of day? (10 AM.) Also, I cannot recommend this enough... bring binoculars or your most expensive telescopic lens lol.
Nice scenery full of lily pads though. Straight out of a Monet painting.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tonya M
2 contributions
Jan 2021
***IMPORTANT UPDATE***
I went on this trail about 20 years ago in January, the dry season. To say the wildlife was abundant is an understatement. Birds and alligators were everywhere; I felt like I was in the middle of a nature documentary. It was truly spectacular.
I went back this week (Jan 2021) and I have to admit, I was disappointed. There were relatively few birds and alligators compared to what I saw 20 years ago, probably 80% less. The scenery is still breathtaking, but the wildlife was not. After talking with some locals I found out the culprit. Apparently, due to water restoration projects (as well as a strong rainy season), the water in the everglades is much deeper in the dry season than it used to be. A local told me that there was a project that was completed six months ago that caused significant deepening. Due to many water restoration projects on the horizon, the water levels will only continue to rise in the coming years.
The reason the birds and alligators were so abundant near the manmade trails in the past was because the area next to the trails had been been dug deeper than the surrounding area, so water was present there when other areas had dried up in the dry season. This lifegiving water supported fish for eating as well as water for drinking and cooling off. Thus, many of the park's birds and animals congregated near the trails in the dry season.
It is still very much worth visiting the park to see the wildlife that is still visible as well as view the beauty of this area.
This is a very good thing for those of us who love the Everglades. Unfortunately, the viewing of wildlife is much less spectacular. I observed this at Shark Valley, too. There were very few birds. I'm guessing there will be less birds around the trails because now the birds have the luxury of avoiding humans.
I went on this trail about 20 years ago in January, the dry season. To say the wildlife was abundant is an understatement. Birds and alligators were everywhere; I felt like I was in the middle of a nature documentary. It was truly spectacular.
I went back this week (Jan 2021) and I have to admit, I was disappointed. There were relatively few birds and alligators compared to what I saw 20 years ago, probably 80% less. The scenery is still breathtaking, but the wildlife was not. After talking with some locals I found out the culprit. Apparently, due to water restoration projects (as well as a strong rainy season), the water in the everglades is much deeper in the dry season than it used to be. A local told me that there was a project that was completed six months ago that caused significant deepening. Due to many water restoration projects on the horizon, the water levels will only continue to rise in the coming years.
The reason the birds and alligators were so abundant near the manmade trails in the past was because the area next to the trails had been been dug deeper than the surrounding area, so water was present there when other areas had dried up in the dry season. This lifegiving water supported fish for eating as well as water for drinking and cooling off. Thus, many of the park's birds and animals congregated near the trails in the dry season.
It is still very much worth visiting the park to see the wildlife that is still visible as well as view the beauty of this area.
This is a very good thing for those of us who love the Everglades. Unfortunately, the viewing of wildlife is much less spectacular. I observed this at Shark Valley, too. There were very few birds. I'm guessing there will be less birds around the trails because now the birds have the luxury of avoiding humans.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris Wolff
10 contributions
Feb 2020
If you only have an afternoon in the Everglades don't miss this trail. There is permanent water here so you'll see wildlife like birds, turtles and alligators year round. The trail is on a board walk so you don't even have to get your shoes muddy.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
runner24
Orlando, FL1,120 contributions
Jul 2021
Although a rainy day, we found our way to the Anhinga trail and managed to slowly make our way around the boardwalk before the rain hit. Today, the Lubber grasshoppers were everywhere including mating pairs, which was a hit with the school kids on a nature hike with their guide. We also notice many Pond Apples, which I've never seen before. They looked tasty but apparently are a bitter fruit so we passed them by. Great place for birdwatching.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Written July 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
photoguywisconsin
Oshkosh, WI995 contributions
Feb 2022
During our February visit we found that Anhinga had very few birds and wildlife. I really like this place, but if you are looking for birds and wildlife go elsewhere. My best suggestion would be Shark Valley and Big Cyprus. This part of Florida has gotten too much rain this year and most of the birds and wildlife like drier areas. The alligators and birds simply aren’t congregating around Ahinga this year.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lovtorun
Midwest568 contributions
Feb 2020
We arrived early on a Wednesday morning, about 8:30 before the visitor center was open. The gates are open 24 hours. We had a lovely hour or two meandering the trail and taking photos of alligators, herons, anhinga, ducks, egrets, gar and other fish, and lots more. There were other people there, but it was not crowded at all and great for taking pictures.
As we were leaving three buses pulled in with groups so we were glad we enjoyed the quiet trail!
There is a decent sized parking lot and restrooms.
As we were leaving three buses pulled in with groups so we were glad we enjoyed the quiet trail!
There is a decent sized parking lot and restrooms.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mom2touchdown
Phillipsburg, NJ71 contributions
Is it dangerous to be so close to the alligators? Is there anything to be aware of for safety, especially if we're going during the government shutdown when there won't be as many rangers around?
JoniSD
Carlsbad, CA148 contributions
Just remember they are wild, dangerous animals no matter how docile they appear. Give them a wide berth and respect their personal space, and you’ll be fine.
debora g
Province of Forli-Cesena, Italy194 contributions
E' valido l'annual Pass che ho fatto per visitare i parchi della California?
Lauretta8383
Nerviano, Italy344 contributions
se rimani entro l'anno dall'acquisto si
Cathy M
Bridgewater, MA10 contributions
We are driving to Key West from Ormond Beach. We would like to stop in delry to see Japanese Gardens and museum and also a portion of everglades before heading to KW. We are thinking of staying in Miami after DelRay and then getting up and doing perhaps, Anhinga or portion of Everglades and then staying overnight somewhere, before heading to KW. Any suggestions as to where to enter the park, what to see for a few hours, and, when we leave, where to stay?
Thank you
jronkowski
Chicago, IL195 contributions
There is basically only one entrance to Everglades. The park is expensive ,the Anhinga trail is near the entrance near Homestead you might not want to drive further into park. The big cypress preserve has a free visitor center and birds and alligators. You will have to check google maps if the drive is worth saving the Everglades park entrance. If your a senior citizen and a us resident and plan to see lots of parks in your lifetime a senior pass if good value and last until you die. A yearly pass is only good for 12 months and covers non residents and non seniors
andreeeas645
Billdal, Sweden100 contributions
Hi
Do you have to bring protective cover/canvas to protect your car from vultures?
Will they damage your car?
Thanks
Hola... se puede recorrer en auto? O alguna parte de los everglades son para recorrer en auto? voy con una bebé y temo por los mosquitos y otros insectos.
Janet D
1 contribution
Best time to visit Anhinga Trail?
Also, best time to take tram ride at Shark Valley?
lizlesliephotos
Tucson, AZ151 contributions
The Alligators are basking in the sun on sunny days. Overall best time to visit is February during the dry season.
elephantencounters
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Hi Lisa, we're wondering how to access the Ahninga Trail? What city/town is nearest to it, which Park entrance is best?
Faird50
Union Lake, MI2 contributions
Is this still under construction?
mellywoodcock
Homestead, FL199 contributions
Hi there! The construction is complete. My hubby was out there the other day and he took a bunch of photographs and he shared them with me this morning. The improvements are awesome! The photographs are on hubby's computer, however, and he's back out in the swamp tonight hunting pythons with the Swamp Apes; otherwise I'd post some of the photos for you to see. I can't wait to get back out there and enjoy the new and improved trail.
Jennifer M
5 contributions
is it still closed for repairs?
we will be at the everglades on November 14 and we want to know if it is open.
Thanks
FLnurseER
Boca Raton, FL2,534 contributions
I see a warning that a part of the boardwalk was closed on May 9, is the boardwalk now opened? Thanks.
MrMiamiExplorer
Miami, FL1,284 contributions
No, the whole boardwalk is still closed and under construction.
Frequently Asked Questions about Anhinga Trail
- Hotels near Anhinga Trail:
- (9.58 mi) Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades
- (9.62 mi) Quality Inn Florida City - Gateway to the Keys
- (9.54 mi) Fairway Inn Florida City
- (9.67 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Florida City, FL
- (9.44 mi) Best Western Gateway To The Keys
- Restaurants near Anhinga Trail:
- (8.13 mi) Robert is Here
- (9.93 mi) Sonny's BBQ
- (9.86 mi) O'Deeny's Caribbean Restaurant
- (7.59 mi) Everglades Gator Grill
- (9.39 mi) Rosita's Mexican Restaurant