Everglades National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Gulf Coast Paddling Guide Gulf Coast Paddling Guide Paddling in the Everglades and Big Cypress Everglades National Park and the Big Cypress National Preserve share a boarder near Everglades City. Between these two parks visitors can enjoy scenic canoe trails that meander through cypress forests, mangrove tunnels, and shallow estuaries teeming with fish, birds, and other wildlife. The Big Cypress to the north is dominated by cypress strands with fresh water that flows out into the coastal estuaries of Everglades National Park to the Ten Thousand Islands. The mix of fresh and salt water provides ideal conditions for paddlers to view alligators, wading birds, dolphins, manatees, and osprey. While the trails are accessible year-round, most paddlers attempt them during the winter months when it is cooler and there are less mosquitos. Paddling times vary from two to seven hours depending on winds, tides, paddling speeds, and which trails you choose. These trails can be difficult for inexperienced paddlers or under certain conditions. Paddling against the tide, fighting a headwind, or being unprepared for the weather or mosquitoes can make for a very strenuous paddle. You can get information about the weather, tides, and conditions of the trails at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center (239) 695-3311or at the Big Cypress Welcome Center (239) 695-4758. Leave No Trace Follow the outdoor ethics of “Leave no Trace.” Leave what you find, minimize your impact, respect the wildlife, be considerate of other visitors, dispose of waste properly, plan ahead, and be prepared. Read all the safety guidelines on page 3 before attempting any canoe trips. HP Williams Everglades City Chokoloskee Turner River Halfway Creek Left Hand Turner River Turner River Halfway Creek Loop Sandfly Island Indian Key Big Cypress Welcome Center Chokoloskee Bay Canoe Launch Gulf Coast Visitor Center Canoe Launch Turner River Canoe Launch 29
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Gulf Coast Paddling Guide - National Park Service · PDF fileEverglades National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Gulf Coast Paddling Guide Paddling in the
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Everglades National Park National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior