Bayshore Loop Trail

A break in the mangroves shows a view of blue/green Florida bay and green islands in the distance

The Bayshore Loop Trail is currently CLOSED until further notice. When reopened, this 2-mile easy loop delivers peaceful Florida Bay views and historic remnants of an early fishing village. The walk is flat and short—about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Expect mangrove shoreline, signs of hurricane damage, and good birding opportunities.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 2
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Walk in the park
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours at an easy pace
Trail Surface: Flat dirt and sand path with muddy sections near the bay shoreline
Trail Features: Florida Bay shoreline
Historic fishing village remnants
Mangrove forest
Hurricane-affected landscape
Birding habitat
Trail Highlights: Florida Bay shoreline with views of historic fishing village remnants and mangrove forest affected by hurricanes Katrina and Wilma

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Coastal Prairie Trailhead at the back of Loop C in Flamingo Campground
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: None required

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: None required
Fees: $35 entrance fee (Private Vehicle, 7-day pass)
Trail Status: Closed until further notice
Seasonal Closures: Currently closed; no specified reopening date. Check NPS.gov for updates.

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Carry drinking water; saltwater bay access only
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible. Flat terrain with sandy and muddy sections; hiking shoes recommended.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Heat and sun exposure
Unstable ground from hurricane damage
Saltwater environment
Mosquitoes
Hazard Details: Open coastal sections offer minimal shade—heat and UV reflection are intense. Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma damaged the landscape; watch for unstable or eroded ground. Saltwater environment. Mosquitoes present year-round, heaviest May–November.
Crowd Level: Moderate to busy—popular easy walk from the main Everglades area
Best Season: Fall through Spring (November–March) for cooler weather and fewer insects
Best Time To Visit: Fall through Spring (November–March) for cooler weather and fewer insects. Start by 7:00 AM to beat the heat and afternoon thunderstorms. Trail is currently closed; confirm reopening status before traveling.
Tips Advice: Bring 2L of water—no shade in open coastal areas.
Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat; bay water reflects UV rays.
The fishing village remnants are scattered along Mile 1—look near the shoreline.
Go early; afternoon sun and humidity are relentless in summer.
Check closure status with the park before driving to the trailhead.
Binoculars are worthwhile—wading birds are common in the bay.

More details

Park Area: Flamingo
Trail Markers: Well-marked at trail junctions; veer left at the first junction to reach the bay
Dogs Allowed: Not specified in NPS data; check with park staff
Biking Allowed: No; bicycles are not allowed on this trail
Shade Level: Partial shade from mangrove forest; exposed in open prairie sections. Sun is intense on the bay shore.
Map Recommended: 1
Snow Dates: None; subtropical climate
Mud Season: After heavy rains, especially May–November during the wet season
Fall Colors Peak: Not applicable; subtropical zone minimal foliage change
Bug Season: Mosquitoes present year-round; heaviest June–November
Insider Tips: The fishing village remnants are scattered along the first mile—look near the water's edge.
Turn left at the trail junction to access the bay.
Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms (common May–November) and peak heat.
Bring binoculars; wading birds and herons are common along the shoreline.
The false flag: veer left at the junction. The right fork leads away from the bay.
Recent Updates: Trail closed until further notice as of the NPS website update. Closure reason not specified. Check NPS.gov/ever for reopening announcements before traveling.
Family Friendly Notes: Easy 2-mile loop good for families with school-age kids. Keep children close near the water. Currently closed—check reopening status before planning.
Nearby Facilities: Flamingo Campground (restrooms, lodging, marina); Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station; Flamingo Boat Tours
Review Summary: This easy 2-mile loop is currently closed to public access. When it reopens, hikers praise the quiet bay views and historic interest but note that sun exposure and mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in summer.