Anhinga Trail packing checklist | Camp Check [Skip to content](#content) [Camp Check](/) [Map](/)[About](/about) Show more details [← Back to map](/) · [Search spots](/#all) Trip details · Anhinga Trail # Anhinga Trail packing checklist * Activity**Day hike** * Park**Everglades National Park, FL** * Nearest**Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte, 728 mi** A flat, 0.8-mile paved path and boardwalk loop over the sawgrass marsh of Taylor Slough, at the Royal Palm area of Everglades National Park. It is one of the best places in the park to see alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons and egrets, especially in the winter dry season. Alligators close to the path, black vultures that damage cars, mosquitoes, heat, afternoon storms and hurricane season are the main things to plan for. ## Trip details Distance 0.8 mi (1,200 m) round trip on a paved path and a looping boardwalk Elevation gain None. The trail is flat, about 4 ft above sea level Route From the Royal Palm visitor area, a paved path follows the water to a looping boardwalk over sawgrass marsh and the clear water of Taylor Slough, then returns the same way. The 0.4-mile Gumbo Limbo Trail starts at the same spot Difficulty Easy. Flat and wheelchair and stroller accessible. Allow about 1 to 2 hours to watch wildlife Trailhead Royal Palm visitor area, about 2 miles west of the main entrance station near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center (Homestead entrance, 40001 State Road 9336). Make the first left turn after the entrance gate. Flush restrooms, drinking water, a water bottle filling station and a small bookstore Fees and permits $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person, good for 7 days. Under 16 free. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100. Card or digital pass only. No permit needed Hours The park and the Homestead entrance are open 24 hours. The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is open 9 am to 5 pm in the wet season and 8 am to 5 pm in the dry season. The Royal Palm bookstore is open 9 am to 4 pm Pets Not allowed on the trail or boardwalk. Service animals only Best season December to April, in the dry season, when wildlife gathers at the slough and it is cooler with fewer mosquitoes (our pick) ### Source * [NPS Everglades: Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/anhinga-trail.htm) * [NPS Everglades: walk the Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/walk-the-anhinga-trail.htm) * [NPS Everglades: birding along the Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/birding-along-the-anhinga-trail.htm) * [NPS Everglades: Royal Palm](https://www.nps.gov/places/royal-palm.htm) * [NPS Everglades: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) * [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * [NPS Everglades: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * [NPS Everglades: operating hours](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/hours.htm) * [NPS Everglades: weather](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/weather.htm) * [NPS Everglades: the wet season](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wetseason.htm) * [NPS Everglades: pets](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/pets.htm) * [NPS Everglades: directions](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/directions.htm) * [NPS Everglades: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/coedirections.htm) * [National Weather Service forecast for the Anhinga Trail](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.382&lon=-80.6094) * [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) * [USGS elevation point query](https://apps.nationalmap.gov/epqs/) “Our pick” seasons are our own call. ## Packing list Reset Ready to go: **0%** · you have 0 of 19 ### Before you go * **Check alerts and closures.** Look at [NPS Everglades: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) the day before. As of Oct 28, 2026, no alert is listed for Royal Palm or the Anhinga Trail. Elsewhere in the park, the East Everglades Day Use Area and a few wilderness campsites are closed, and roadwork on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) can cause delays of up to 15 minutes. * **Check the weather and the tropics.** Look at the [National Weather Service forecast for the Anhinga Trail](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.382&lon=-80.6094) and, until November 30, the [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/). The park may close for a storm; call 305-242-7700 for updates. [NPS Everglades: weather](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/weather.htm) * **Bring a card for the entrance fee.** The park doesn’t take cash. Use a credit or debit card, or buy a digital pass ahead of time. [NPS Everglades: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/fees.htm) * **Protect your car from vultures.** Park in full sun away from groups of vultures, and use a tarp or car cover if one is available. [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * **Leave pets at home.** Pets aren’t allowed on any trail here, and they can’t be left unattended. [NPS Everglades: pets](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/pets.htm) * **Tell someone your plan.** Let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll be back, as the park suggests. In an emergency call 911. [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) * **Know when to leave.** Get off the boardwalk if you hear thunder, back away from any alligator that hisses or moves toward you, and head for shade and water if anyone feels the heat. This list is a starting point, not a guarantee. Conditions change, so adjust it for your trip and your group. We earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. [Details](/about#affiliate) Check off what you already have. For anything you still need, there’s a product suggestion when we have a good match. ### Trip-specific: permits and hazards 1. **Alligators: stay at least 15 feet back**Alligators are the main reason many people come here, and they often rest right beside the paved path and under the boardwalk. They are wild and can move very fast. The park says to stay at least 15 feet away, and if one hisses you are too close. They are most active from dusk to dawn. Never touch one, and never throw anything at it.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) · [NPS Everglades: walk the Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/walk-the-anhinga-trail.htm) 2. **Never feed wildlife**Feeding or harassing wildlife is illegal here and carries a fine. Alligators that are fed by people learn to link people with food and can become aggressive. Keep snacks put away on the trail, and pack out all trash.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 3. **Keep children close**The boardwalk loops over open water where alligators live. The park asks you to keep small children close and supervised near wildlife and water. The trail is flat and wheelchair and stroller friendly.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) · [NPS Everglades: Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/anhinga-trail.htm) 4. **Black vultures can damage your car**Black vultures at Royal Palm pull at the rubber on cars, damaging wipers, weather stripping, sunroofs and windshields, especially on winter mornings. They are protected, so don’t harm them. The park says to avoid parking near groups of vultures, park in full sun, or cover rubber with a car cover or wet towel. The park keeps a limited number of tarps with bungee cords at Royal Palm to help cover your car.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: walk the Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/walk-the-anhinga-trail.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 5. **Mosquitoes and biting insects**Mosquitoes are plentiful at some times of year, worst on overcast days, at dawn and dusk, and in summer. The park says to wear long sleeves and pants and/or insect repellent, and to avoid shade and grassy areas for fewer bites. In the wet season, mosquitoes and biting flies can be thick.Need itHave it ![Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent 20% Pump Spray 4 oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61P44lekEDL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) Sawyer Picaridin Insect Repellent 20% Pump Spray 4 oz $10.99 on Amazon A 20% picaridin repellent the maker says works against mosquitoes. The park says to wear repellent or long sleeves and pants. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015KG5NK/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) · [NPS Everglades: the wet season](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wetseason.htm) 6. **Heat and humidity**The wet season runs about May through November, with highs near 90°F, humidity over 90% and a heat index over 100°F. The forecast for the week of Oct 28, 2026 shows highs of 87 to 88°F. The park says to stay hydrated, wear cool, loose clothing, and use a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. In summer the park suggests walking early in the morning.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: the wet season](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wetseason.htm) · [NPS Everglades: weather](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/weather.htm) · [NPS Everglades: walk the Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/walk-the-anhinga-trail.htm) · [National Weather Service forecast for the Anhinga Trail](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.382&lon=-80.6094) 7. **Afternoon thunderstorms and hurricane season**Expect afternoon thunderstorms in the wet season; the forecast for Oct 28 to 31, 2026 shows a 20 to 50% chance each afternoon. If you hear thunder, get off the open boardwalk and into your car or a building. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and the park may close before, during and after a storm. As of Oct 28, 2026, the National Hurricane Center listed no active Atlantic storms. The Weather Service has a minor coastal flooding statement for far south Miami-Dade through Thursday evening, Oct 29, which can put some water on low roads.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: weather](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/weather.htm) · [National Weather Service forecast for the Anhinga Trail](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=25.382&lon=-80.6094) · [National Hurricane Center](https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/) 8. **Poison ivy and poisonwood**Poison ivy is common in the park, and poisonwood grows in pine rocklands and hardwood hammocks like the one on the Gumbo Limbo Trail next door. Both can cause a skin rash, so stay on the path and don’t touch plants you don’t know.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 9. **Entrance fee is card or digital pass only**The entrance fee is $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle or $20 per person on foot or bike, good for 7 days; visitors under 16 are free. Non-US residents 16 and older pay an extra $100 each unless they have an annual pass. The park is cashless: bring a credit or debit card, or buy a digital pass ahead of time.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: fees and passes](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/fees.htm) · [NPS Everglades: current conditions](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/conditions.htm) 10. **No pets on the trail, and busy winter mornings**Pets are not allowed on any park trail, including the paved path and boardwalk; only service animals are. Pets can’t be left unattended anywhere in the park. Winter weekends are busy, so the park suggests arriving before 10 am.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: pets](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/pets.htm) · [NPS Everglades: directions](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ### The Ten Essentials [(NPS)](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 1. **Water: about 1 liter per person**Royal Palm has drinking water and a water bottle filling station at the trailhead. The walk is short, but in this heat we suggest carrying about 1 liter per person, more if you also walk the Gumbo Limbo Trail or stay to watch wildlife. The park says to bring water, especially in summer.Need itHave it ![Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz (Gray, Black Lid)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/715SE6ZgTjL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth 32 oz (Gray, Black Lid) $16.99 on Amazon Holds about 1 liter. Top it up at the Royal Palm water bottle filling station before you start. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PLU912/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Everglades: Royal Palm](https://www.nps.gov/places/royal-palm.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 2. **Food and snacks**Bring a snack and eat it at the car or picnic area rather than on the boardwalk. The Royal Palm bookstore sells snacks, and there is a vending machine. Never feed wildlife.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: Royal Palm](https://www.nps.gov/places/royal-palm.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 3. **Navigation**The trail is a short paved path and boardwalk loop that is easy to follow. Pick up a park map at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center on the way in, and tell someone your plans, as the park suggests. The park lists cell signal at Royal Palm.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) · [NPS Everglades: Royal Palm](https://www.nps.gov/places/royal-palm.htm) · [NPS Everglades: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/coedirections.htm) 4. **Headlamp**The trail is a popular place to watch sunrise and sunset, and the park is open 24 hours. If you stay for sunset, a headlamp gets you back to the car. Watch for alligators near the path after dark.Need itHave it ![Petzl Tikka Headlamp](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71sDmxdaMIL._AC_SL1500_.jpg) Petzl Tikka Headlamp $34.95 on Amazon For a sunrise or sunset walk, when the light is best and alligators are most active. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDLSGR92/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Everglades: Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/anhinga-trail.htm) · [NPS Everglades: operating hours](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/hours.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 5. **Sun protection**The boardwalk crosses open sawgrass marsh under a wide sky. The park suggests a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.Need itHave it ![Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz (2 pack)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71KsaIMGD7L._SL1500_.jpg) Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, 6 oz (2 pack) $13.86 on Amazon The boardwalk crosses open marsh, and the park lists sunscreen as a must for outdoor activities. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQXX9US/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Everglades: Anhinga Trail](https://www.nps.gov/places/anhinga-trail.htm) · [NPS Everglades: the wet season](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wetseason.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 6. **Light clothing and rain gear**Wear cool, loose clothes. Long sleeves and pants help with mosquitoes. Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon storms, which usually pass quickly.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: the wet season](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/wetseason.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 7. **First aid kit**For bites, stings, scrapes and blisters. If anyone feels sick from the heat, get them into shade or the car’s air conditioning and have them drink water. Royal Palm has a first aid kit, and rangers are often there. In an emergency, call 911.Need itHave it ![Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Tk3JSPj0L._AC_SL1500_.jpg) Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 $31.95 on Amazon A small, watertight kit for scrapes, stings and blisters, light enough to carry on a short walk. [Buy on Amazon (opens in new tab)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV6PDY9R/ref=nosim?tag=giftsthatland-20) Source: [NPS Everglades: Royal Palm](https://www.nps.gov/places/royal-palm.htm) · [NPS Everglades: safety](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/safety.htm) 8. **Fire starter and emergency shelter**On a short walk from the car, your car is your shelter: get into it, or a building, when a storm builds. Keep a lighter in your pack or car; it weighs almost nothing.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS Everglades: weather](https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/weather.htm) · [NPS: the Ten Essentials](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) 9. **Knife or repair kit**A small knife or multi-tool is handy for quick fixes, like trimming tape or a blister pad.Need itHave it No product pick yet. Bring your own or check with the park. Source: [NPS: the Ten Essentials](https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm) Prices and stock checked on Amazon on Oct 28, 2026, and may have changed. ## Photos ![The Anhinga Trail boardwalk curving over a marsh covered in water lilies under an evening sky](/photos/anhinga-trail-1.webp) Photo: [Dylann Turffs, National Park Service](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anhinga_Trail_\(49831320948\).jpg) · [Public domain](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/) · Wikimedia Commons ![An American alligator resting at the water’s edge beside a tree trunk on the Anhinga Trail](/photos/anhinga-trail-2.webp) Photo: [D. Diaz, National Park Service](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:American_Alligator_on_Anhinga_Trail_\(32007133237\).jpg) · [Public domain](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/) · Wikimedia Commons Coordinates **25.3820°N 80.6094°W** Park **Everglades National Park, FL** Time now **UTC --:--:--** [](/spots/alum-cave-trail)[](/spots/elkmont-campground)[](/spots/linville-falls-erwins-view)[](/spots/endless-wall-trail)[](/spots/old-rag)[](/spots/steel-creek-campground)[](/spots/anhinga-trail) Use two fingers to move the map **Affiliate disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate, Camp Check earns from qualifying purchases. Amazon links are affiliate links and don't change your price. **AI disclosure:** Pages are drafted with AI help and checked by a person against the linked NPS/USFS sources and live Amazon listings. Conditions, prices and stock change, so check before you go and before you buy. **Map data:** Elevation from [Terrain Tiles on AWS](https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/) (Mapzen/Tilezen), built from USGS 3DEP and NOAA ETOPO1 data, among others. [About](/about) · [Sitemap](/sitemap.xml)