Shark Valley Lookout Tower Loop via Shark Valley Loop Road
14.7 mi
Distance
9 hrs 11 min
Time
terrain
24 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a easy loop trail to Shark Valley Lookout Tower in Everglades National Park.
Getting Started
Park in the parking lot near the visitor center. It fills up on busy days, but you can park along Highway 41. Start traveling south on the western trailhead.
Taking Children
This is a flat paved road. It’s good for children if they can handle the distance.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
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We counted 74 alligators on the trail. I recommend you start on the west side and come back the east side. The observation tower is interesting looking, but the water fountain wasn’t working. Consider asking before you start. It took our family of 6 (kids 9, 7, 6, and 3) about 2.5 hours to make the loop.
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Public Tracks
Shark Valley National Park
80 and sunny. Got there 10am, just in time for parking spot. Good to get there early especially on weekend, or you will be parking on 41 or waiting for long time.
We saw 43 gators plus one 10 foot crock on the canal half and another 10 gators on the grassland half, all were 6-10 foot long. Add lots of herons, egrets, anhingas, and caramonts. Super scenic, just wish longer.
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Shark Valley
https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm
