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Next up is my favorite full boardwalk in Everglades National Park: the Mahogany Hammock Trail!
I say full boardwalk because the Anhinga Trail is probably my favorite hike in the park but it’s half paved, half boardwalk.
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My most recent trip to the Everglades (only my second visit ever) was the only time I’ve hiked the Mahogany Hammock Trail and I was pleasantly surprised by it!
This is a lollipop shaped trail that is entirely boardwalk (you know I love a good boardwalk).
The “stick” portion of the trail crosses the prairie wetland offering views in both directions.
You can see the mahogany hammock (the big wooded area) that you’re headed into from there.
Once you get to the wooded area, it almost feels like a really dense jungle that you’re walking through.
Palm trees tower above you with dense vegetation along the boardwalk. You’ll find plenty of gumbo-limbo trees, a variety of palms, and air plants galore.
You also get to see the largest living mahogany tree in the US on this trail!
If you want big Florida views or wild life, this isn’t the best trail for either of those.
This is the perfect trail for plant lovers, fans of botany, intimate landscape photographers, anyone that loves the little details.
We took our time making our way around the boardwalk, enjoying the sights, and there is a bench or two if you want to relax and enjoy the sounds.
Before you know it, you’re back at the parking lot. This is a good sized parking area but we only saw a couple of other people on the trail.
Like a lot of Florida trails, this isn’t the most thrilling hike, but it is subtly beautiful in an Everglades way.
I would definitely recommend the Mahogany Hammock Trail on your next visit to Everglades National Park.
It’s a great short hike that offers both extensive views and dense Everglade vegetation on one half mile loop.
National Park Goodies
- If you’re planning to visit three or more national parks within a year from your trip, definitely get the America the Beautiful pass. It will save you money in the long run if you’re going to more than three parks in a year. Buy the pass here.
- If you’re planning on doing a lot of hiking on your trip, or even at home, check out AllTrails! This is my favorite app to find, keep track of, and track my hiking activity. And it’s FREE! Sign up here.
- This Ultimate National Park Planning Bundle is a must-have. You get two ebooks and a planner, saving 50% by getting them as a bundle! If you want all the details, this is the bundle for you. Buy the Ultimate bundle here.
- Doing a road trip? Want an adventure? Consider an Escape Campervan Rental! It’s a great way to see the parks and is perfect for couples and small (but close) friend groups. Book a campervan here!
- This National Park Planner (one of the ebooks from the bundle above) is perfect if you just want some guidance in your planning. Buy the planner here.
- 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 Mahogany Hammock Trail?
The Mahogany Hammock Trail is pretty much halfway on the scenic drive in the park.
It’s 30 minutes from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and about 25 from the Flamingo area.
It’s a little over two hours from Miami, 1.5 hours from Key Largo, and a little over an hour from Homestead.
How long is the Mahogany Hammock Trail?
This is a 0.4 mile loop, and I’m trusting AllTrails on that since I apparently didn’t record this one.
Is the Mahogany Hammock Trail hard?
Nope! This is an easy, short boardwalk loop and it is accessible.
Is the Mahogany Hammock Trail worth it?
Yes! I really loved this trail, and opposed to most other easy trails in the park, this one is all wooded and dense.
Mahogany Hammock Trail photo gallery
Other posts you may like
Anhinga Trail vs. Shark Valley
Amazing Everglades Hikes Perfect For Any Visit
Things To Do In The Everglades That Aren’t Hiking
Everything You Need To Know To Plan A Trip To Everglades National Park
Are There Hotels In Everglades National Park?
Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?
Have you hiked the Mahogany Hammock Trail? What did you think of it? what is your favorite Everglades hike?
Travel Services I Recommend:
AllTrails – This is my favorite hike tracking app.
America the Beautiful – The national park pass is essential.
Booking.com – This is great for finding and booking hotels.
Get Your Guide – I recommend Get Your Guide for booking tours.
National Park Obsessed – This is the best national park planner.
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is great for finding and booking flights.
Enterprise – This is my rental car recommendation.
See all my resources here.
It’s lovely to see that you’re still hiking and writing, and I love your pictures, Megan!