Gumbo Limbo Trail

Overview

The Gumbo Limbo Trail is a scenic boardwalk trail in the Everglades National Park, offering a unique glimpse into the park's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. This paved, wheelchair-accessible trail winds through a tropical hardwood hammock, a coastal mangrove swamp, and a freshwater slash pine Rockland forest.

The trail is a prime spot for birdwatching and provides an excellent introduction to the Everglades' ecosystems and wildlife.

Trail Nature Wildlife

Location

Address

Royal Palm Visitor Center, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida

Neighborhood: Everglades National Park

Coordinates

25.278500, -80.643200

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

Children

Free (ages 15 and under)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

December-April

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Wildlife is most active, fewer crowds, and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Warm and pleasant

• Spring blooms
• Great birdwatching

summer

Hot, humid, and rainy

• Lush vegetation
• Frequent rain showers

autumn

Warm to cool, pleasant

• Cooler temperatures
• Clear skies

winter

Cool and pleasant

• Cooler temperatures
• Clear skies

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Wear comfortable shoes
Bring water and sunscreen
Check for wildlife
Stay on the trail
Be aware of alligators and other wildlife

What to Bring

essential

Water Sunscreen Bug spray Hiking shoes Hat

seasonal

Rain gear Light jacket or layers for cooler months

not allowed

Pets (except service animals) Drones Bicycles Off-trail hiking

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Stay hydrated
• Protect yourself from the sun
• Be aware of wildlife
• Watch for alligators

Medical facilities: First aid available at visitor center, nearest hospital is 30 minutes away

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/Debit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)

parking Free

food $10-$20

souvenirs $5-$50

Dress Code

Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors, Lightweight, breathable clothing, long pants, and long sleeves for protection from insects and sun, Comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers, Inappropriate clothing (e.g., swimsuits, revealing clothing)

Booking Tips

• Not required, but reservations recommended for guided tours
• Official National Park Service website or visitor center
• Varies by tour or program, typically 48 hours
• Purchase park pass online in advance

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Everglades National Park

Size: 25 MB

Features: Park map, Wildlife guide, Event calendar, Park alerts and notifications

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Royal Palm Visitor Center

Charging Stations: Not available along the trail, bring a portable charger

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Miami International Airport (MIA)

Distance: 50 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

taxi

$80-$100 45 min

public_transport

$3 1.5-2 hours

From City Center

Distance: 30 km

car

Varies by vehicle and fuel prices 40 min

public_transport

$3 1.5 hours

taxi

$60-$80 40 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: The Gumbo Limbo Trail offers a unique and accessible way to experience the Everglades' diverse ecosystems and wildlife, making it a favorite among locals

Historical Significance: The trail is named after the gumbo limbo tree (Bursera simaruba), a small to medium-sized tree found in the Everglades, and has been a popular destination for visitors since the park's establishment in 1947

Insider Tips

Arrive early in the morning for the best wildlife viewing and photography opportunities
Visit the nearby Mahogany Hammock Trail for a more secluded and less crowded experience
Check with the visitor center for the latest information on wildlife sightings and special programs

Local Recommendations

• Visit the nearby Mahogany Hammock Trail
• Stop by the Royal Palm Visitor Center for exhibits and ranger programs
• Explore the Anhinga Trail for more wildlife viewing

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Mangrove Boardwalk

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture reflections in the water and the unique mangrove roots

Result: Stunning nature shots with unique textures and reflections

#Everglades #Mangroves #NatureLovers #Florida

Photography Rules

allowed areas All outdoor areas along the trail

prohibited areas Buildings and visitor center interior

flash photography Allowed, but may disturb wildlife

commercial photography Permit required for commercial shoots

drone policy Prohibited within the park

tripod policy Allowed, but may not be left unattended

selfie sticks Allowed, but be mindful of other visitors and wildlife

Nearby Attractions

Anhinga Trail

Distance: 500m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Trail

Mahogany Hammock Trail

Distance: 2km

Walking: 30 min