No permit for day hiking. Entry requires a park entrance fee ($35 per vehicle for 7 days). Purchase at the entrance station or online.

Long Pine Key Trail - 7mi Moderate Hike

Q: Is it safe to hike alone?

Yes, but not recommended in isolated months. Winter (Nov–Apr) sees regular traffic. Summer (June–Oct) is quieter and riskier—cell service is available, but slower ranger response. Always tell someone your expected return time and carry a charged phone.

Q: What gear do I absolutely need?

2–3 liters of water, a trail map, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sturdy hiking boots (the rocky limestone will shred regular shoes), and a headlamp if hiking early. Trekking poles help on wet sections. A bug net is wise May–October.

Q: Will I definitely see wildlife?

Probably. The trail runs through prime bird and reptile habitat. Birds (herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills) and reptiles (alligators, turtles, snakes) are most active early morning and late afternoon. Fish and waterfowl congregate at Pine Glades Lake. Patience and binoculars increase your odds.

Q: What happens if I hike in June–October?

The wet season floods sections of the trail, creating muddy, waterlogged passages. Mosquitoes peak in intensity—bring heavy-duty repellent and long sleeves. The trail is passable most days but slower and less pleasant. Check with the ranger station before committing.

Distance

7 mi

Est. Time

3 to 4 hours for most hikers; add 1+ hour if stopping for wildlife photography.

Route Type

Out-and-back

Best Season

November through April

Overview

About This Trail

This 7-mile trek cuts through Everglades' rarest ecosystem—the Florida pineland—following a wide, rocky limestone trail from Long Pine Key Campground to Pine Glades Lake. The route crosses open prairie sections and palmetto-lined corridors with abundant birds, reptiles, and wildflowers. Seasonal washout zones are possible June-October, but the trail rewards with wildlife viewing and a scenic lake finish. Bring a map and water; the exposed limestone offers little shade.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Trail Highlights

Experience Everglades' rarest ecosystem—the Florida pineland—with abundant birds, reptiles, and wildflowers. The trail ends at scenic Pine Glades Lake, a waterfowl hotspot.

Insider Tips

• The false lake—shallow pools dotting the limestone—might trick you into stopping early. Keep hiking to Pine Glades Lake for the real payoff. • Early morning light hits the water perfectly for photography at trail's end. • Bring binoculars; birds are abundant but wary. • The network of connecting spurs can confuse—stick to the main westbound trail marked for Pine Glades Lake.

Best Season to Hike

November through April

Hiking Tips

Carry 2–3 liters of water minimum—no reliable sources until the lake.
Bring a trail map; the route has complex junctions.
Wear high-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat; shade is sparse.
Check trail conditions at the information kiosk before starting.
Start by 6 AM to finish before afternoon heat peaks.
Use trekking poles for wet sections during shoulder seasons.

Family Info

Suitable for older children and teens with moderate fitness. Rocky terrain requires sturdy footwear. 7-mile distance suits ages 10+. No shade—heat exhaustion risk for very young children. Bring sun protection. Seasonal flooding June–October makes it unsuitable for young kids during wet season.

What Hikers Say

Hikers praise the pineland ecosystem and lake views but warn of sun exposure and potential flooding. Most find the 7-mile distance manageable if started early and hydrated. Seasonal conditions vary dramatically—dry season (Nov–Apr) is vastly superior to wet months.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 7 miles

Duration: 3 to 4 hours for most hikers; add 1+ hour if stopping for wildlife photography.

Difficulty: Moderate

Route Type: Out-and-back

Surface: Rocky limestone with scattered shallow pools; wide, packed dirt and rocky base.

Getting There

Trailhead: Long Pine Key Campground, along Long Pine Key Road, west side

Requirements

Fees: $35 entrance (private vehicle, 7 consecutive days); $20 per person

Trail Rules

Biking: Yes

Trail Markers: Well-worn main trail but complex junction system—carry a map. Multiple connecting spurs; wayfinding requires attention.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Carry all water; Pine Glades Lake is at trail end but filtration status unknown—treat before drinking if collecting.

Shade: Minimal to partial. Palmetto-lined sections offer some relief; open limestone flats are fully exposed.

Cell Service: Yes, cellular signal available

Hazards:

Seasonal washout zones across waterlogged prairie occur June through October. Rocky, exposed limestone terrain offers little shade and high heat absorption. Full sun for much of the route—heat exhaustion risk if dehydrated. Mosquitoes peak May through October, particularly in early morning and dusk.

Emergency: Call 911 for emergencies. Park rangers available at Long Pine Key information kiosk during daylight hours. Everglades National Park main line: (305) 242-7700.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Flat, wide, rocky limestone trail. No major elevation change. Seasonal flooding and muddy sections can impede wheeled devices or people with mobility concerns.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

Long Pine Key Campground (trailhead area). Flamingo Campground and visitor facilities 38 miles south. Information kiosk at trailhead.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you're fit enough for 7 miles. The terrain is not technical—it's flat and wide—but the full-sun exposure and lack of shade make it a stamina test. Start early, carry abundant water, and you'll succeed. Bring trekking poles if you have weak ankles (rocky sections trip up inattentive hikers).

Is it safe to hike alone?

What gear do I absolutely need?

Will I definitely see wildlife?

What happens if I hike in June–October?

Do I need a permit?