📍 Location & Trail Information
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is located in the Royal Palm area of Everglades National Park. A paved path leaves the visitor center and almost at once enters a shaded hardwood hammock, a close, jungle-like stand of forest where the canopy cuts the light. Gumbo limbo trees peel in flakes beside oaks, royal palms lift through the hammock, and ferns and bromeliads fill the lower story. A pond along the way may hide an alligator in the plants while tree trunks may house the liguus snail. In addition to these wildlife, warblers, catbirds, and barred owls may also move through the canopy. It is a protected haven with a lot of diversity.
While I recommend doing the Anhinga Trail first, if you are already at Royal Palm, and have the extra time, this trail could be worth a stop. Be sure to bring lots of mosquito repellent and wear protective layers as mosquitoes are prevalent on this trail.
Accessing the Gumbo Limbo Trail
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is located a very short distance from the entrance to the Homestead section of Everglades National Park. After you pass the entrance station, you will turn left onto Royal Palm Road. There is a parking lot at the end of the road. From this parking lot, you can access the Gumbo Limbo and Anhinga Trails, the Royal Palm Visitor Center, and public restrooms.
For the Gumbo Limbo Trail, there are actually two entrances. This loop trail is actually in the shape of a “C,” unless you walk around the Visitor Center to complete the loop. Large signs clearly mark the beginning of both trailheads.
If you start the Gumbo Limbo Trail at the first trailhead entrance, closest to the parking lot, a small pond (or water hole) and solution hole will be on your right a short distance down the trailhead. (Check out this blog post to see a photo of both.)
The second trailhead entrance is located south of the Visitor Center. The Anhinga Trail begins to the left, while the Gumbo Limbo Trail begins to the right. Close to this junction, you will be able to have a lovely view of the Anhinga Trail. Both the Gumbo Limbo Trail and Anhinga Trail are worth exploring and provide an opportunity to experience the unique environment of the Everglades.
Hiking Tips For the Gumbo Limbo Trail
The Gumbo Limbo Trail is an easy, wheelchair-accessible, paved trail surrounded by dense vegetation. Alligators have been seen on this trail near the water hole by other park visitors, and as my friend who lives in Florida once told me, if there is water, there is probably a gator in it, so you need to plan accordingly. NEVER enter water in Florida, even it is just a little amount, and always stick to the trail.
As mentioned above, the Gumbo Limbo Trail is also home to a host of mosquitoes. In full disclosure, I never actually finished the Gumbo Limbo Trail due to the mosquitoes. As soon as I entered the forest, a huge swarm descended upon me, and I wasn’t fully prepared. I ended up turning back shortly after entering the trail and found refuge on the Anhinga Trail instead. Honestly, just typing this post, combined with the memory of my trip into the forest, makes me itchy.
That said, to prevent mosquito bites in the future, there are some things that you can do, like wear long sleeves, socks, and protective layers as well as spray your clothes with insect repellant. (You can learn more about mosquito protection here.) The time of year and time of day will also determine the amount of mosquitoes you will encounter. Going in the middle of the day in February will likely be better than sunrise in August, for example.
Concluding Remarks
If you can withstand the mosquitoes, the Gumbo Limbo trail is actually really beautiful. It is home to several different kinds of wildlife and vegetation, including gumbo limbo trees (Bursera simaruba), royal palms (Roystonea elata), ferns, and air plants. (NPS) Depending upon the time of day, the dense canopy can let in dappled light which will make for some interesting photos. If you love this kind of diversity, and have the time, I hope you enjoy exploring this unique part of the Everglades!
Happy Travels!
Juventa, Co-Owner, National Park Photographer
Find Your Favorite Location
No matter where you go in Everglades National Park, be sure to take your time and find your favorite location along the way. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife! Don’t forget to add detailed macro shots, change your perspective, and most importantly have fun.
Before making your trip, consider checking the official Everglades National Park website or contacting the park’s visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, accessibility, and any recent changes. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while exploring this beautiful area.
Want to learn more about Everglades National Park? Check out these maps, guides & books:
- Everglades National Park Map (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
- Exploring Everglades National Park and the Surrounding Area: A Guide to Hiking, Biking, Paddling, and Viewing Wildlife in the Region (Exploring Series)
- Paddling Everglades and Biscayne National Parks: A Guide to the Best Paddling Adventures (Paddling Series)
- From Swamp to Wetland: The Creation of Everglades National Park (Environmental History and the American South Ser.)
- Everglades National Park (Images of America)
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References
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