Everglades National Park - Things To Know Before You Come (U.S. National Park Service)

While exploring Everglades National Park, the park staff would like you to have a safe and enjoyable time while visiting. There is certain information we would like to pass on to you. Please read below.

South Florida's subtropical climate brings significant seasonal changes to the Everglades landscape. Here, the temperate four seasons give way to more extreme fluctuations of wet and dry weather. To ensure an enjoyable and rewarding trip, visitors should plan their travel in the season most conducive to their pursuits.
Because the seasons differ so dramatically, we encourage you to read a bit about visiting during the Dry Season and the Wet Season.

Other things we would like you to know:

Please keep in mind your physical limititations when hiking, biking or paddling here in the Everglades, especially if not from Florida. We are a sub-tropical environment it can be very hot and humid, especially in the summer.
Please familiarize yourself with the trails before hiking, biking, or paddling. Such as how long the trail is and the approximate time it takes to do a certain trail. Ask a park ranger or park volunteer if unsure.
Do not hike, bike, or paddle without someone knowing where you will be going.
Bring water (especially in the summer), insect repellent (summer - especially in heavy vegetation), sunscreen, and proper clothing for the activity you will be doing.
When walking the trails please keep small children close at hand and under supervision, remember, you are in a wilderness area, our animals move about freely.
Please do not bring pets on the trails. Not only do you put their life in danger, you put yours in danger as well.
Do not feed any wildlife that you encounter, this includes the birds (crows and grackles). Feeding wildlife of any kind will eventually make the animal aggressive.
No rollerblades, rollerskates, scooters, or skateboards allowed on any of the trails within the park.
If traveling with your pet please be aware that pets are not allowed on most trails in the park. For the health and safety of your pet it would be better to leave them at home or board them at an appropriate facility while you visit the park. It is not recommended that pets be left in a parked car due to the tendency for extreme weather.

Warning - Vultures May Damage Vehicles

Vultures are attracted to the rubber and have been know to case severe damage to windshields, sun roofs, and windshield wipers.

Vultures are a federally protected migratory species and may not be harmed.

What you can do:

       Avoid parking near groups of vultures
       Park in full sun
       Use a car cover
       Cover exposed rubber with a wet sheet or towel
        Use loud noises to spook vultures off vehicles
        Notify a ranger