Everglades National Park covers over 1.5 million acres in the Florida Everglades and is the third largest national park in the 48 contiguous United States. The park was created to protect a fragile ecosystem of interconnected wetlands and is the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere. It is one of only three places in the world to be designated as a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.
There is a range of water recreation within the park. Boating in the Everglades is recommended for skilled boaters. The Wilderness Waterway is a 99-mile canoe trail that extends from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to the Flamingo Visitor Center. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing is permitted with a license. Fishing from the shore is limited and is best done from a boat.
Families should be cautious in and around the water. Dangerous animals live within the freshwater parts of the Everglades, such as snapping turtles, water moccasins, snapping turtles, crocodiles and alligators. The saltwater areas present their own hazards, including barracuda, sharks and coral.
Hiking is another popular activity within the park and there are a variety of trails to explore. Hikers should bring plenty of water and insect repellant. There are two campgrounds accessible from the park entrance in Homestead. There are also backcountry campsites throughout the park, many of which are accessible by water.
