EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
ADDED ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Along the Main Park Road to Flamingo:
1. Wheelchair accessible trail (and name and length of that trail) Yes, Anhinga Trail, Gumbo-limbo Trail,
Pinelands Trail, Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook (take left-hand entrance to access viewing platform), Mahogany
Hammock Trail, and West Lake Boardwalk. All of these trails are about 1/2 mile long.
2. Easy, low-impact trail (and name and length of that trail) All other trails along the Main Park Road
(Long Pine Key area, Flamingo area), due to flatness of terrain, can be considered easy, low-impact trails.
Getting around gates on some trails for wheelchair users may present challenges and/or require
assistance from companions.
Note that Eco Pond is now open and should be considered an easy, low-impact trail. Bird composition has
changed since the 2005 hurricanes, but at times there can be very impressive numbers of wading birds,
Black-necked Stilts, and other species.
3. If the site can be birded from a car. Yes, you may pull over along the Main Park Road, Research
Road, and other side roads to birdwatch. Be careful for wet, slippery conditions, especially during
summer. Paurotis Pond, accessible by car, is a great place to bird from a car when the rookery is active
(can vary from year to year).
4. If a guide or tour company is willing to modify site tours for wheelchair birders (how many can they
accommodate at one time?) Everglades National Park Boat Tours, Inc. (from Flamingo) will take
wheelchairs (call 239-695-3101 for details).
I tried calling local birding guides for their ability to accomodate wheelchairs, but I didn't hear back from
them. They are Brian Rapoza: 305-388-1544 & Larry Manfredi: 305-299-1606
5. If wheelchair accessible picnic tables are present Yes, at Long Pine Key Picnic area and Campground
and Flamingo Campground.
6. If wheelchair accessible restrooms are present Yes, at Long Pine Key Picnic area and campground
(inside of restrooms are accessible, but there are no designated accessible pathways to them), at Royal
Palm Visitor Center, West Lake, and Flamingo Visitor Center and Campground.
Shark Valley
1. Wheelchair accessible trail (and name and length of that trail) - Located in Shark Valley, the Bobcat
Boardwalk goes through both hammock and open sawgrass environments. It is 1/3 of a mile long and is
reached via the paved tram road a short distance from the visitor center.
The 15 mile loop (tram) road at Shark Valley is closed to private vehicles. It is used by the concession
tram, bicyclists, and walkers. Wheelchairs are also permitted on the road. The entire road is paved.
2. Easy, low-impact trail (and name and length of that trail)
3. If the site can be birded from a car. No. But wheelchairs can go on the concession operated tram.
The trams are general nature tours. They are not birding specific, but birds can be viewed along the
15-mile, two hour tram tour.
4. If a guide or tour company is willing to modify site tours for wheelchair birders (how many can they
accommodate at one time?) Two (with advanced reservations - 305-221-8455).
5. If wheelchair accessible picnic tables are present No
6. If wheelchair accessible restrooms are present Yes
Gulf Coast
1. Wheelchair accessible trail (and name and length of that trail) No
2. Easy, low-impact trail (and name and length of that trail) No
3. If the site can be birded from a car. No. But wheelchairs can go on the concession operated boat
tours.
4. If a guide or tour company is willing to modify site tours for wheelchair birders (how many can they
accommodate at one time?) Up to ten wheelchairs can go on the Ten Thousand Island Boat Tours. The
angle of the loading ramp is affected by the tide. At very high tides, it may be too steep to get on or off
the boats. Wheelchair users should call the concession (239-695-2591) ahead of time to check on the
tides and wheelchair access.
5. If wheelchair accessible picnic tables are present Yes
6. If wheelchair accessible restrooms are present Yes