G: The Everglades / Florida Keys

For a true wilderness experience, paddlers can choose either the Wilderness Waterway or a coastal route through Everglades National Park for several days of uninterrupted paddling. Then it is on to the Florida Keys and its crystalline waters and fun-loving maritime culture.

14: Everglades / Florida Bay

Everglades National Park and Florida Bay are two of Florida's natural treasures. In this segment, you'll see subtropical and tropical plants, marine and estuarine creatures and the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles co-exist.

From Everglades City, you have a choice of taking the Wilderness Waterway to Flamingo, or the Gulf route. The Gulf route is shorter and generally has fewer bugs, but weather may be a deciding factor. Campsites range from chickees that have been built on pilings in rivers and bays, ground sites that have been cleared within the mangrove forests, and beach sites.

This segments starts at Everglades City. After launching, use the outgoing tide and head for Rabbit Key. Next stops are Pavilion and Mormon Keys on the way to the campsite at Turkey Key. Water is very shallow so time your trip to arrive at high tide.

After Turkey Key, paddle Graveyard Creek to Cape Sable and on to Flamingo. Rest up at the visitor center before proceeding to Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

99 miles of circumnavigational trail

126.5 miles via the Wilderness Waterway

Important Note: There is no longer a requirement to pick up hard copy permits at the ENP visitor centers within 24 hours. Instead, you can reserve campsites in advance online: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675314 Make sure to print out the email confirmation and have it with you if approached by law enforcement.

Florida Cities: Flamingo

Contact: Contact our Region G Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.

Launch Sites

Day Paddles and Overnight Camping Trip Maps

Areas

Everglades National Park - Flamingo

Multiday Trail Maps

Environmental Considerations

This is the longest stretch along the circumnavigation trail without fresh water. Plan on a minimum of a gallon of water per day, per person for 7 - 8 days.
Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping. Advanced reservations can be made at https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wildernesscamp.htm then picked up at the Everglades City or Flamingo National Park Visitors Centers 24 hours in advance. Reservations are not required for wilderness permits. Campers may still pick up a permit in-person at the Everglades City or Flamingo Visitor Centers on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits cannot be obtained sooner than 24 hours in advance of the start of the trip.
Be prepared for insects at any time of year
A GPS, navigational maps and compass are essential in this segment as many unprepared boaters have become lost in the Ten Thousand Islands and Everglades National Park

Emergency Contacts

Police, Fire and Medical Emergencies: 911
Monroe County Sheriff: 305-289-2430
Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission Hotline: 1-888-404-3922
File a trip plan with a friend or relative before leaving. If you do not return on schedule, that person is responsible for notifying Park dispatch at (844) 677-0911 (24 hours). While on the trail, cell service is not available or is very limited, depending on your carrier.

15: Florida Keys Paddling Trail

The Florida Keys Paddling Trail is a great place to spend your next vacation. Paddlers enjoy tropical splendor and a rich diversity of marine life, ranging from manatees and sea turtles to lobsters, fish and stingrays. When you need to take a break from paddling, civilization in the form of great restaurants, lodging and entertainment are within easy reach of the water.

You begin this section at Pennekamp's canoe launch along Largo Sound. After leaving the park, head south toward Tavernier. Camping is not allowed so try several local hotels. From Tavernier it is a straight shot along the 4 main islands that make up Islamorada: Plantation Key, Windley Key and Upper and Lower Matecumbe Keys. Incidentally, Islamorada is commonly known as the fishing capital of the world.

Forty-three miles of paddling later, you'll arrive in the Middle Keys of which Marathon is the largest community. Camping is allowed on the smaller of the Molasses Keys in the middle of the Seven Mile Bridge crossing. Enjoy the view of the famous Seven Mile Bridge, a major architectural and engineering achievement. Next stop, Bahia Honda State Park. It's incredibly popular with tourists so reserve your campsite early.

South of Bahia Honda lies tropical lagoons, prime snorkeling, Howell Key, Sugarloaf Key and finally, the fun-loving maritime capital of Florida, Key West. Arrive early and don't miss the sunset celebration at Mallory Square!

111 miles of circumnavigational trail

Florida Cities: Key Largo, Marathon, Key West

Contact: Contact our Region G Director or Trailkeeper for more information by clicking here.