Length: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Waterway has over 99-miles of canoe route available that connects Flamingo and Everglades City
Operating Hours and Seasons:
Main entrance: (near Homestead and Florida City): Open daily, 24 hours a day.
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: Open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Royal Palm Visitor Center: Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Flamingo Visitor Center: Open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November through April.
Shark Valley: Open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Visitor Center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center (in Everglades City): Open daily, November to April 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and May to November 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directions:
Main Park Entrance and Flamingo: Visitors coming from the Miami area and points north may take the Florida Turnpike (Route 821) south until it ends, merging with U.S. 1 at Florida City. Turn right at the first traffic light onto Palm Drive (State Road 9336/SW 344th St.) and follow the signs to the park. Visitors driving north from the Florida Keys should turn left on Palm Drive in Florida City and follow the signs to the park.
Shark Valley: Take the Florida Turnpike to the exit for SW 8th Street (also known as U.S. 41 and Tamiami Trail). Travel 25 miles west on U.S. 41 to signs marked Shark Valley. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail) east to signs marked Shark Valley.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center: Take U.S. 41 west from the Miami area to the intersection of U.S. 29, then take U.S. 29 south three miles into Everglades City and follow the signs to the park visitor center. From the Naples area, take U.S. 41 east and turn south on U.S. 29.
Chekika: Take Krome Avenue (State Road 997/SW 177th Ave.) north from Homestead or south from U.S. 41. Go west on SW 168th Street and follow the signs to the park.
Entrance Fees: Vehicle - $10 at main entrance, $8 at Shark Valley and Chekika. Valid for 7 days for single, private, non-commercial vehicles. An entrance fee is not charged at the Gulf Coast. Individuals - $5 at main entrance, $4 at Shark Valley and Chekika. Per-person fee for individuals 17 years of age or older when entering by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, buses carrying passengers not on a pre-packaged tours.
Facilities and Supplies Visitor Centers: Visitor centers are located at the main entrance (west of Homestead), Royal Palm, Flamingo, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast (south of Everglades City). The main park road winds 38 miles from the main entrance to Flamingo. U.S. 41 leads to the Shark Valley entrance, and U.S. 29 leads to Gulf Coast. Parking is available for buses at all visitor centers. Visitor parking is available at all visitor centers and most trailheads.
Activities: Walking and canoe trails, boat tours and tram tours, camping (backcountry and established campgrounds)
Reservations and Permits: Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping, except in auto campgrounds or when sleeping aboard boats. There is a fee for processing of the permit. They may be obtained in person up to 24 hours before the day your trip begins. Insect conditions are so severe during summer months that wilderness use is minimal and permit writing desks may not be staffed. Permits are still required - follow self-registration instruction at the Flamingo or Gulf Coast Visitor Centers, or the Key Largo Ranger Station (usually May to November). Winter wilderness users originating from the Florida Keys will be able to obtain permits by phone by calling 941-695-2945, no more than 24 hours prior to the start of their trip, for the following locations only: North Nest Key, Little Rabbit Key, Carl Ross Key, and the Cape Sable Beaches.
Permit fees: $10 for 1-6 people, $20 for 7-12 people, $30 for 13 or more people
Sun and Mosquitoes Visitors are advised to bring drinking water and snacks since these items are sparsely located. Since sun and insects are likely to be abundant, sun screen, protective clothing and insect repellent are advised. Insects can make a visit unbearable during the summer months if you are not prepared. Information on mosquito levels during the summer is available at (305) 242-7700 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST). Visitation Highest from December through April; lowest May through November.
Contact: Everglades National Park, 4000l State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733 Phone (305) 242-7700 (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST)
Overview
