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Outdoors

Everglades Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trip

Paddle a marked loop through shallow grassy marsh dotted with mangrove islands, following numbered white poles. Look for alligators, wading birds and, now and then, the endangered snail kite.

For The Reps · Updated

canoe trip scenery for Everglades Nine Mile Pond near Florida
Photo: Alligator, Nine Mile Pond, Everglades National Park, Florida (51130694244) by Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Florida, USA
Distance
8 km (5 miles) loop, or 5.6 km (3.5 miles) using the shortcut

The route

Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail loop (Flamingo area, Everglades National Park).

The trailhead is on the main park road on the way to Flamingo, which is 61 km (38 miles) from the Homestead entrance. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from Flamingo Adventures, and the Everglades Institute runs guided paddles here when water levels allow.

When to go

The dry season, roughly December to mid-May, is cooler and less humid, but the trail can become impassable from low water near its end. The wet season (mid-May to November) brings heat and frequent thunderstorms. Ask a ranger about current water levels.

Permits and fees

Park entrance fee: $35 per private vehicle, valid 7 days (2026). Non-US residents aged 16 and over pay an extra $100 unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. No permit is needed for a day paddle; overnight trips need a wilderness permit.

Before you go

  • Pick up the more detailed trail map from a visitor centre before you go.
  • If you meet shallows or thick periphyton (a spongy mat of algae and microbes) that stops your paddle, turn round rather than risk getting stuck.
  • If you are unsure of the route, do not guess: go back the way you came.
  • Motors are not allowed on this trail.

What to bring

  • A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
  • A dry bag for your phone and keys
  • Water and snacks
  • Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
  • A warm layer, even on a hot day

Getting ready for it

Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.

A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.

Staying safe

  • Alligators live here; keep a safe distance and give them right of way.
  • In summer the heat index can reach about 41°C (105°F) when the air is 32°C (90°F) and very humid.
  • Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov and nps.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.