This Florida Sanctuary Hike Is a Perfect Alternative to a Popular Everglades National Park Trail

Florida offers a veritable smorgasbord of trail options for hikers over a diverse variety of terrain, including pine forests and sandy beaches. None, however, is more iconic than the Everglades ecosystem of South Florida. When we think of the Everglades, of course, our minds veer naturally to the national park that shares its name with this unique wetland topography.

This is why trails in Everglades National Park, especially short, front-country hikes, like the Anhinga Trail at the Royal Palm Information Station near Homestead, are so popular—and often crowded. Those seeking a quieter hike through similar terrain could head west of Everglades National Park to Naples, where you'll find the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Trail. Both hikes allow you to experience the greater Everglades ecosystem of South Florida on a raised boardwalk trail, and both are worth taking.

Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida

• Distance: 0.8 miles, loop
• AllTrails Rating: Easy
• Suitable For: Anyone seeking a quick taste of Everglades National Park
• Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round; however, if seeing alligators is on your list, they are most active April through June

The Anhinga Trail at the Royal Palm Information Station is one of the most popular in Everglades National Park. It's a short—only 0.8 miles—loop consisting of a paved, level trail and raised boardwalk with no elevation gain. This makes it perfect for hikers of all abilities, including families with small children and visitors with accessibility needs.

The trail loops through prime Everglades habitat, and visitors can expect to see plenty of wildlife in this small section of swamp, including alligators (especially in the spring) and bountiful bird species, including the eponymous anhinga. The Anhinga Trail offers a perfect taste of the Everglades to whet your appetite for the park.

Although the trail is short, it is mostly exposed, so visitors should plan accordingly with water and sun protection—especially if visiting in the summer, when the South Florida sun can be punishing. Remember to leave your pup at home, as dogs are not allowed on any trails and certain other areas of the park. An entry fee is required to access the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park; entrance is free for America the Beautiful Pass holders.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Trail, Naples, Florida

• Distance: 1.9 miles, loop
• AllTrails Rating: Easy
• Suitable For: Those interested in exploring a Southwest Florida swamp ecosystem
• Best Time of Year to Hike: Year-round, although wildlife is most active in mid to late spring

The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a special place within the very special Everglades ecosystem. The 13,000-acre sanctuary was established in 1954 and protects more than 700 acres of old-growth bald cypress forest—the largest such forest in the U.S. It's also home to many endangered species, including several varieties of birds and orchids. A 2-mile boardwalk loop takes you from the sanctuary's visitor center into the heart of this Everglades wonderland and back.

This Corkscrew Swamp Trail is less exposed than the Anhinga Trail, but you'll still need sunscreen, as well as plenty of water, and insect protection, especially during the wet season. You're likely to encounter all sorts of wildlife as you traverse the swamp and cypress forest, from raccoons to alligators to birds, so have your camera ready—you never know what you'll see. Dogs are not allowed on the trail or in the sanctuary, so leave your pup at home in the AC. An entry fee is required to visit the sanctuary and walk the trail. You can purchase tickets in advance at the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary website.

Really, though, both trails deserve spots on your Florida must-hike list. The AllTrails user base of more than 75 million gives both trails high marks—4.7 stars out of five—and each trail has much to offer any South Florida hiker interested in experiencing the Everglades ecosystem up close and personal (without wading into a swamp).

Another thing these two trails have in common is really poor cell service. So, be sure to have the trail maps downloaded to the AllTrails app on your phone before you head out.

You may not need an individual map for the relatively short Anhinga Trail, but you'll want to download Everglades National Park from AllTrails' Offline Parks feature so you'll know which parts of the park to explore next. For the longer Corkscrew Swamp Trail, AllTrails Plus is handy for pinpointing where you are on the trail, how far you've hiked, and how much more you have to go.