Hike The Panther Trail At The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

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One of the last trails we did on our Big Cypress trip in February 2024 was the Panther Trail at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

We actually did this trail on our first Big Cypress trip but I wanted to do it again so I could take pictures of it and get a little refresher so I could write about it.

panther refuge — The woodsy beginning of the Panther Trail

The first time I remember being really freaked out about the panthers but this time I was fine. The trail was totally dry the first time but this time it had a good amount of water on it, and some mud.

The Panther Trail is a loop with a little side trail to a gazebo. It’s pretty easy to follow but can seem pretty overgrown in spots, though you can still see the trail.

The beginning and end of the trail are in the woods but the majority of it is in sort of a prairie but the grass is extremely tall, like, as tall as me.

It does feel a little ominous walking in such tall grass, I just expect panthers to be lurking in there watching me. They’re probably not but I imagine they are.

About halfway around the loop is a small side trail to a little gazebo with a bench you can take a break in.

There isn’t really a view here, it’s just more tall grass, but you can see a bunch of scratch marks on the bench!

Even big cats like to scratch on the furniture! The scenery along the whole trail is pretty similar, there aren’t many big views.

It’s definitely not a thrilling trail but it’s short and easy so if you’ve done everything else in the area or want to do everything in the area, it’s worth it at least once.

It took us about 45 minutes to hike the whole thing, this included stops for pictures and walking through water in multiple sections of the trail, never above mid-calf height.

Overall the trail is just fine and I’m glad I did it, and would recommend it at least once, but it’s not one I’m likely to do for a third time.

The trail may not always have water on it, it didn’t the first time, but I would go in mentally prepared for water just in case.

If you don’t want to get wet and muddy, you’ll either have to skip it or just turn back when you get to the icky parts.

National Park Goodies

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Get yourself a National Park journal for all of the NPS sites (400+!) to keep track of your travels!
Consider reading some of these books set in national parks before your big trip, on your adventure, or once you get home to take you back to the parks until next time.

Where is the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge?

The Florida panther refuge in in south Florida, near Big Cypress National Preserve. It’s technically in Immokalee but closer to Miles City.

Its about an hour north of Everglades City and an hour and fifteen minutes east of Naples.

It’s just north of exit 80 on I75 (Alligator Alley) and will be on the left from there. There is a parking area for the trail.

Miles City, FL, United States

Where to stay in Everglades City

Ivey House – We stayed here one night and I really liked it. It calls itself a bed and breakfast but it’s really just a hotel. It’s cute though and I’d stay again.

Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites – This is run by Ivey House and looks nice and new. I would like to stay here sometime.

Captain’s Table Hotel – If you want no frills and budget, this is your best bet. We spent almost a week here at an Airbnb in the hotel and it’s not fancy at all, and the room was small, but it got the job done without costing a fortune.

How long is the Panther Trail?

The Panther Trail at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is a 1.3 mile loop and very easy to follow.

Is the Panther Trail hard?

Nope! There is a whopping zero feet of elevation gain on the Panther Trail. If there is anything to make this trail hard, it would be mud and water, but if you’re prepared, it’s fine.

Is the trail at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge wet?

Sometimes! The first time I did this trail it was totally dry but the most recent time (February 2024), it had quite a few sections of water.

The water wasn’t super deep but I would say it went up to mid-shin height on me (I’m 5’4″ if that helps). There were also some muddy sections but more water than mud.

I wore my knee-high Hunter boots for this hike and they were perfect! You don’t need to wear boots like this as long as you don’t mind getting wet/dirty feet.

I just personally don’t love how that feels so the boots made this much more enjoyable for me.

Can you see Florida Panthers at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge?

Maybe if you’re lucky! But most likely not. I would say you’re more likely to see evidence of them though, like tracks in mud or scratches on the gazebo bench.