The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Everglades National Park. Located near the Royal Palm Visitor Center, this trail allows hikers to see a variety of Everglades wildlife up close, including alligators, turtles, anhinga birds, and more. The trail is a self-guided paved loop that is wheelchair accessible and perfect for families. The total length of the trail is 0.8 miles, making it a relatively short and easy hike. However, most hikers spend 1-1.5 hours completing the trail since there are many opportunities to stop and observe wildlife along the way. The exact amount of time it takes to hike Anhinga Trail depends on your pace and how much time you spend stopped at overlooks and observing wildlife.
Trail Overview
Here are some key details about Anhinga Trail:
– Trail length: 0.8 miles total
– Trail type: Paved, flat, loop
– Difficulty: Easy
– Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
– Location: Everglades National Park, near Royal Palm Visitor Center
The trail forms a loop that starts and ends from the same spot near the visitor center parking area. It winds through a sawgrass marsh and provides several overlooks and observation areas along the way. The pavement and lack of elevation change make it a pleasant stroll suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Factors That Affect Hiking Time
Several factors come into play when determining how long it will take to complete the 0.8 mile Anhinga Trail loop:
– Pace: Your walking pace will heavily impact the time. A leisurely stroll stopping frequently for photos and wildlife viewing will take longer than a steady brisk walk.
– Weather: Extreme heat and humidity can slow most hikers down in the Everglades. Cooler temperatures may allow you to walk faster comfortably.
– Crowds: High crowds at overlooks may cause bottlenecks and slow progress around the loop. Early mornings and off-season months are less crowded.
– Wildlife Viewing: The number and duration of stops you make to observe alligators, birds, turtles and other wildlife will add to your hiking time.
– Photography: If you plan to take photos along the trail, especially at prime overlooks, account for extra time spent composing shots.
– Fitness Level: Your individual fitness level will impact walking speed as well. Fit hikers tend to walk faster.
– Breaks: Taking breaks for snacks, water, resting feet, etc. will naturally add time.
As you can see, the exact duration spent hiking Anhinga Trail can vary quite a bit based on individual factors. Most first-timers spend 60-90 minutes on the trail.
Expected Hiking Times
To give you a better idea of potential timeframes, here are estimated hiking times for the 0.8 mile Anhinga Trail loop:
At a Leisurely Pace with Stops
– Slow pace with extended stops: 1.5-2 hours
– Strolling pace, occasional stops: 1-1.5 hours
This covers hikers who are leisurely walking the trail and stopping frequently to observe wildlife, take photos, rest, etc. Kids, seniors, and first-time visitors often walk this pace.
At a Moderate Steady Pace
– Moderate pace, minimal stops: 45-60 minutes
This covers hikers walking at an average relaxed but steady pace only stopping occasionally. Most casual hikers walk this pace.
At a Quick Steady Pace
– Brisk pace, minimal stops: 30-45 minutes
– Speed walking with no stops: 20-30 minutes
These paces are for experienced fit hikers walking quickly with minimal or no stops. Note that walking overly fast increases risk of slips or accidents on the trail.
As you can see, most hikers complete the trail in 45-90 minutes. First-timers and those looking to sightsee should plan 1-1.5 hours. Fast walkers can potentially complete it in 30 minutes or slightly less, but they miss opportunities to enjoy the wildlife.
Tips for Hiking Anhinga Trail
To help you have the best experience hiking Anhinga Trail, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive Early
Get an early start to beat both the heat and crowds. Mornings, especially on weekdays, tend to be less busy on the trail.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water since the climate is hot. Dehydration can sneak up on you in the Everglades sun.
Use Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be bothersome, so spray repellent to keep them away.
Respect Wildlife
Observe from a distance and do not touch or feed the animals. Be aware of your surroundings.
Watch Your Step
Stay on the pavement, go slow on uneven or slick areas, and avoid walking close to the water’s edge.
Following these tips will make your hike more pleasant. With 1-1.5 hours of time, you can enjoy a leisurely walk and view plenty of Everglades wildlife along Anhinga Trail.
Anhinga Trail Wildlife
One of the best parts of hiking Anhinga Trail is spotting unique Everglades wildlife. Here are some of the common animals you may see:
Alligators
You’ll likely spot several alligators sunning themselves along the trail. They may slide into the water as you approach. Keep distance!
Turtles
The waters are filled with turtles like cooters, sliders and even softshell turtles. Try spotting their heads poking out.
Anhinga Birds
These striking black water birds with dagger-like beaks lend their name to the trail. Watch them search for fish.
Herons
Catch sight of beautiful great blue herons and great egrets wading through the waters looking for a meal.
Iguanas
You may spot green iguanas high up in trees or swimming through the swamp waters.
Raccoons
These masked mammals sometimes make appearances near the trail, especially at night.
Snakes
Several snake species live in the Everglades, so watch for them sunning on the trail. Most are not venomous.
Other Birds
Watch for egrets, osprey, wood storks, cormorants, gallinules and more. The birding is superb!
With a bit of luck and a watchful eye, you’re likely to cross paths with some incredible animals. That’s part of what makes Anhinga Trail such a special hike!
Trail Map and Guide
Below is a map overview of Anhinga Trail along with points of interest:
Trail Section | Highlights |
Visitor Center to Overlook 1 | Alligator sightings near boardwalk, great blue herons |
Overlooks 1 to 2 | Prime alligator spotting, anhinga bird watching |
Overlook 2 to 3 | Turtles on logs, iguanas in trees |
Overlooks 3 to 4 | Wading birds like egrets, raccoon prints |
Overlook 4 to Visitor Center | Alligators near trail, anhinga nesting areas |
The trail forms a loop starting from the visitor center, with overlooks at four points. Each section offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities. The paved path is mostly flat with only very minor hills. It winds through sawgrass marsh areas, ponds, tree islands, and mangrove habitats.
Tips for Wildlife Watching
To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife on Anhinga Trail:
– Go quiet and slow around overlooks
– Look carefully in shady spots and at water edges
– Bring binoculars and/or camera with zoom lens
– Watch tree branches and nests for birds
– Peer through vegetation for turtles and gators
– Listen for splashes and movement in the water
– Follow posted viewing guidelines to protect animals
With a bit of patience, you’re likely to spot an array of Everglades wildlife on the trail!
Additional Trails Nearby
While Anhinga Trail is the most popular, there are other hiking trails accessible from the Royal Palm Visitor Center as well:
Gumbo Limbo Trail
– Length: 0.4 miles
– Highlights: Sea grape trees, gumbo limbo trees
West Lake Trail
– Length: 1.5 miles
– Highlights:open water vistas, wading bird spotting
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
– Length: 0.2 miles
– Highlights: Boardwalk with marsh views
Mahogany Hammock Trail
– Length: 1 mile
– Highlights: Shady mahogany trees, orchids
Anhinga Trail makes for a good starter hike, after which you can explore some of the other trails if you have more time and energy. Combining a few short walks can fill a whole morning or afternoon of hiking easily.
When to Hike Anhinga Trail
Anhinga Trail and Everglades National Park are accessible year-round. However, visiting during certain months provides a better experience:
Best Months
– December-March: Mild and dry season, excellent wildlife viewing.
Good Shoulder Season Months
– April, May, November: Decent weather, fewer crowds.
Least Ideal Months
– June-October: Hot, humid, buggy. Heavy rain possible.
Winter and spring offer the most pleasant temperature, driest hiking conditions, and highest chances of wildlife activity like breeding. But the park still offers a memorable experience any time of year.
Conclusion
Anhinga Trail is one of the most scenic and wildlife-rich hikes you can take in the Everglades. The 0.8 mile paved loop trail takes most hikers 45-90 minutes to complete with a leisurely to moderate walking pace. The exact duration depends on your pace, number of stops, crowds, and other factors. Set aside 1-1.5 hours to have a relaxed hike, observe plentiful alligators, birds, turtles and other animals, and take photos. Getting an early start, going slow, watching your step, and respecting wildlife will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable hike on this iconic Everglades National Park trail any time of year.