traveldk.com

This was the first road to open up the area by linking the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It passes pioneer camps, such as Everglades City and Chokoloskee, which have barely changed since the late 1800s. They mark the western entrance to Everglades National Park.

The park covers about one-fifth of the Everglades. There are elevated boardwalks, tours, canoe rental, camping and hotel and chikee lodgings (Seminolestyle huts).

This vast, shallow wetland basin is not a true swamp but a range of wet and dry habitats determined by slight differences in elevation. It is home to hundreds of species, including the Florida panther.

This area, only 17 miles (27 km) from the western edge of Miami, has a 15-mile (24-km) loop road that you can travel by bicycle or on a narrated tram ride. It ends at a tower that affords great views.

A museum here is devoted to Native American Seminole culture – ah-tah-thi-ki means “a place to learn, or remember.” A wildlife park nearby has exhilarating airboat rides and informative Buggy Eco-Tours, from which you might spot alligators.

Both of these popular trails begin at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the site of Florida’s first state park.

Farther along toward Flamingo, you’ll come to one of the park’s largest hammocks (fertile mounds), where a trail meanders through dense tropical growth. This is home to the largest mahogany tree in the country and colorful tree snails.

Flamingo is called home by only a handful of park rangers these days, but it was once an outpost for hunters, fishermen, and smugglers, accessible only by water. Sportfishing, canoeing, bird-watching, and hiking are very good here.

One of Florida’s wildest areas, a 20-mile (32-km) slough (muddy backwater), noted for the largest stand of native royal palms in the US, unique air plants, and rare orchids. There are boardwalks and rangers on hand.

A boardwalk takes you through various habitats, including a stand of old cypress full of nesting birds. The endangered wood stork has been spotted here.