This trail was fun to do because it differed so much from the Anhinga Trail. It is two totally different experiences. I would recommend lots of bug spray on this trail as there is little to no breeze in there.
From a wildlife photographer's perspective: Not much wildlife here too. Was looking for tree snails but didn't find it. It is a cool place to walk though - very dense. If you spend time, you could some forest shoot possible but I didn't have time.
This is one of two trails accessed from the Royal Palm Visitor Center and both are definitely worth doing and very different. This one will take you about 30 minutes walking time and is on a hard surface, which makes it easy going and baby-buggy and wheelchair friendly. There are many signs along the trail explaining what to look for to get the most out of your visit. The amazing part of the trail is seeing how quickly nature recovers, as the area was badly hit by Hurricane Andrew. To enjoy the trip to the maximum, make sure you have the strongest mosquito spray available and spray all exposed parts, otherwise you will be bitten. Don't feel too bad if you do get bitten, as you're doing your bit for the Everglades eco-system. The trail is free, however, to get to the Royal Palm Visitor Center, there is a $10 per car fee to enter the Everglades National Park, which is great value for a super day out.
if you have done the Anhinga Trail - then you must take this shorter one too -- even just for the shade - we were the only other couple on the trail and took us about 30 minutes..learn about 'relief rocks' and gumbo limbo tress --- level and shaded...
The trail is about half a mike long and there are many signs along the way which indicate points of interest. It is in the shade, which is welcome, but it's full of mosquitos and other biting insects. In spite of being liberally covered in mosquito repellant, I was covered in them and bitten by them.
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is right next to the Anhinga Trail. The Anhinga Trail is very interesting because of all of the wildlife. The Gumbo Limbo Trail is beautiful and short, but might not be as interesting as the other. It was late December when we visited, so there weren't many orchids to see, or much else. There were a lot of small lizards along the trail, though they camouflaged very well with the ground. It's a short hike, and I would still do it if you were on the Anhinga Trail.
This is a lovely little trail to see a very different environment than the adjacent Anhinga trail, but after that trail it seems so dull! Still you get a nice walk among the hardwoods. It can get quite buggy if it's been wet. Wildlife sightings here are sparse. I would do this after the Anhinga trail, if you have time.
This short trail through a shady forest has lots of id tags on the tress so you know what they are. The Gumbo Limbo tree is like nothing I've ever seen.Please refrain from carving your initials on these beautiful trees. If you need immortality, just right a poem or paint a picture!
This was my favorite trail in the park. These trees are charming and this little trial, while crowded, really gives you a glimpse of what the area must have been like before it was developed. Very charming forest hike.
This is a very short trail. It is an easy stroll with interesting information along the route. Plenty fascinating plant life and offers a cool escape from the sun. Pairs well with Anhinga Trail.