Shark Valley Sounds Scary, But It’s One of the Best Hikes in Florida

If you're looking for a relaxing outdoor experience in Florida, you'd be smart to avoid any natural feature with a reference to a shark, alligator, or spider in its name. At least, you'd think so. But there's a scary-sounding trail in Florida's Shark Valley, and it just happens to be one of the state's best overlooks. Here's more on why the Shark Valley Observation Tower Trail belongs on your outdoor bucket list. (And we can confidently say you won't have any run-ins with large predatory fish!)

Why Is It Called "Shark Valley Observation Tower Trail"?

It all comes down to location. The observation tower is located within the Shark River Slough, a wide, slow-moving expanse of swamp that carries freshwater from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico. It serves as a vital habitat for wildlife, and historically, sharks have been seen at the far southern end of the Shark River. So you won't see any sharks from the observation tower because the surrounding freshwater can't support them. But you might want to keep an eye out anyway—sometimes alligators like to bask in the sun under the observation tower! After all, it wouldn't be a true Florida hike without at least a little wildlife, right?

What the Hike Is Actually Like

So now that we've established that this is a shark-free adventure, let's discuss what the Shark Valley Observation Trail is actually like. First of all, it's a short one, measuring just shy of half a mile there and back. You'll want to park at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, where you can take a tram to the tower, a 15-mile round-trip ride. And it's not just a ride, either; tram-travelers will enjoy a guided tour of the landscape, hearing from a naturalist about the unique Everglades ecosystem. If you'd prefer to go solo, you can still walk or bike along the tram route.

After the trolley ride, you will walk the short, partially paved route to the Shark Valley Observation Tower. From there, you'll take a few stair steps up to the top, where you'll experience the best view in the entire park. At 70 feet tall, it's the highest point in the Everglades, offering panoramic views up to 20 miles away.

What To Know Before You Go

The observation tower is located within Everglades National Park, so there is an entrance fee of $35 per vehicle, and all entrance passes are valid for seven days. The tram tours also cost about $36 for adults and $18 for children. Also, if you can, arrive early! The visitor center lot is typically full between 10 am and 3 pm, so if you can arrive earlier in the morning, you'll have a better chance of getting a spot. Plus, you'll have avoided the intense midday heat. And speaking of heat, there's very little shade on this trail, so wearing sun protection is important. There are restroom facilities available at the visitor center.

As you can see, despite having a scary-sounding name, Shark Valley Observation Tower Trail is absolutely worth experiencing. Whether you're a birding enthusiast, a nature lover, or a bucket-list-view seeker, you'll find plenty to love about this magical landmark. For more information, be sure to check out the official Everglades National Park website. Looking for even more epic views? Check out our list of the best Florida road trips.