The Everglades is a subtropical wetland which makes up 4,000 square miles of Central and Southern Florida. During the rainy season, Lake Okeechobee overflows, creating a shallow river through the sawgrass.
The river flows south through cypress swamps, wet prairie, and mangroves until it reaches Everglades National Park and the Florida Bay.
While development has interfered with the ecosystem, there is still a diverse selection of wildlife including panthers, bears, alligators, crocodiles, snakes, manatees, and many species of plants and birds.
Most visitors to the area follow the 38-mile scenic drive from Ernest F Coe Visitor Center near Miami to the Flamingo Visitor center in the southernmost portion of the park. This area features many boardwalks, picnic areas, and canoe and kayak trails. Ten years ago, I spent a day here. After seeing all the wildlife, I wished to return.
TOUR THE SWAMP