I had the pleasure of going to Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park this past Friday. These were my first two national park stops on my road trip, and they treated me very well.
First, I went to Biscayne National Park, which stands on the threshold of another world. I arrived at the park at 8:30 am, and the temperature outside was perfect with a cool breeze.
Being here, it feels like a forgotten national park with it’s old signs, few people and not much to do. There is a lot to do underwater, but otherwise I spent only 30 minutes here.
That is my one recommendation for those going to Biscayne, make a reservation for a kayak, scuba, snorkel, or boat tour, otherwise no reason to go because not much to do. I wish I was able to fully experience the park because the mangrove shoreline does provide habitat for hundreds of species, which is incredible. Around 80% of the park lies underwater, and I was on land...so on to the EVERGLADES!
From the get go, I really loved the Everglades with it’s subtropical climate, dense mangroves, and towering trees that somehow made me feel like I was in the African Safari. I came on a lovely day when it was fairly empty making me feel, at some points, as if I was all alone in this vast landscape. It was a freeing feeling being there, and knowing that all around me a multitude of different species were inhabiting the waters, grasses, and trees.
During my time in the park I went on a couple of the trails:
Anhinga Trail- .8 miles. Saw lots of wildlife including alligators. This is a must do
Mahogany Hammock Trail- .4 miles. Boardwalk bridge in a lush tree island.
Pineland Trails- .4 miles through trees. Cool little walk!
Pahayokee Trail-.2. A lookout over the Everglades.
They were all wonderful and short, which allowed me to see a multitude of different environments within the park. I hope to go back to the Everglades and spend a couple of days exploring and camping in the backcountry, but I am glad I was able to spend the day I had there.
Lastly, I had the cherry on top when I ran into a banana car at a fruit shop near the Everglades! I RODE IN A BANANA and it made my day!!