Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. But which one is right for you?
Imagine yourself surrounded by crystal clear waters and abundant marine life in Dry Tortugas National Park. The park is located 70 miles west of Key West and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. It’s a true tropical paradise, perfect for snorkeling, fishing, and exploring historic Fort Jefferson.
Or, picture yourself gliding silently through the Everglades National Park on an airboat, surrounded by mangroves and an abundance of wildlife. The park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and is home to the endangered Florida panther, American alligator, and West Indian manatee.
So, do you prefer a tropical island adventure or a swampy wilderness excursion? The choice is yours, but both Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks are sure to take your breath away.
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located off the coast of Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches and historic Fort Jefferson. The park has several hiking trails, including the Garden Key Trail, the Windjammer Wreck Trail, and the Loggerhead Key Trail. These trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty and offer scenic views of the crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife of the area.
Everglades National Park, located in southern Florida, is known for its vast wetlands and diverse wildlife. The park offers several hiking trails, including the Anhinga Trail, the Gumbo Limbo Trail, and the Pinelands Trail. These trails range from easy to strenuous in difficulty and offer visitors the opportunity to observe alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The Anhinga Trail is one of the most popular and easiest trails in the park, offering visitors the chance to see alligators and other wildlife up close. The Pinelands Trail, on the other hand, is a strenuous hike that takes visitors through the pine rocklands and offers panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park offer a variety of hiking trails that range in difficulty and offer unique experiences. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach hike or a challenging trek through wetlands, these parks have something to offer for all levels of hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Wildlife in Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in the Gulf of Mexico, is well-known for its abundant bird life and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can see bird species such as frigatebirds, pelicans, and numerous species of seabirds. The park is also home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and colorful tropical fish.
On the other hand, Everglades National Park located in southern Florida is a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife, including over 350 species of birds and numerous species of fish and reptiles. Visitors can see alligators, manatees, and the endangered Florida panther. In addition to wildlife, the Everglades is home to a variety of plant life, including mangroves, cypress swamps, and the iconic saw grass.
While both parks have a wealth of wildlife to offer, each park has its own unique character and charm. Whether you’re interested in bird-watching, snorkeling, or simply observing the beauty of nature, Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park each offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Song Sparrow | American Kestrel |
| European Starling | Bald Eagle |
| Northern Pintail | Song Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
| American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
| Killdeer | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| Bobcat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Raccoon | |
| Red Fox | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mink | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | |
| White-Tailed Deer | |
| Eastern Cottontail | |
| House Rat | |
| Spotted Skunk | |
| Fox Squirrel | |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | |
| Feral Hog | |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | |
| Least Shrew |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Everglades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Bluegill | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Yellow Bullhead | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located off the coast of Florida and is famous for its historic Fort Jefferson and crystal clear water. The park is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters, abundant marine life and coral reefs, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving and wildlife viewing. The park’s 100 square miles of open water, pristine beaches, and lush vegetation offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including kayaking, birdwatching, and camping.
Everglades National Park in Florida is known for its vast and unique wetlands, home to an abundance of wildlife such as the American alligator, Florida panther, and West Indian manatee. The park is also famous for its beautiful landscapes including the River of Grass, a slow-moving river of sawgrass and water that stretches for over 100 miles, and the Anhinga Trail, a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities including canoeing, fishing, and hiking in the backcountry.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States and offer a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy. Dry Tortugas is located off the coast of Florida and is known for its crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and historic Fort Jefferson. On the other hand, Everglades is located on the southern tip of Florida and is famous for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
One of the most popular activities at Dry Tortugas is snorkeling and diving. The clear waters of the park provide an excellent opportunity to explore the colorful coral reefs and see an array of marine life. Visitors can also tour Fort Jefferson and learn about its history as a military prison during the Civil War.
Everglades is a popular destination for nature lovers and birders. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a vast array of bird species. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour to see the park’s unique ecosystem and learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Canoeing and kayaking are also popular activities in the park, allowing visitors to explore the park’s waterways at their own pace.
Both Dry Tortugas and Everglades offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, from snorkeling and diving to bird watching and boating. Whether visitors are interested in history, nature, or adventure, both parks offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park are both located in the state of Florida and are popular destinations for tourists. However, they have vastly different climates and weather patterns.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a group of small islands located in the Gulf of Mexico. It has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, with the warmest months being June to September. During these months, temperatures average in the high 80s and low 90s, making it the perfect time for swimming and snorkeling. However, this is also the time of year when the park sees the most rainfall, making it necessary to bring rain gear.
Everglades National Park, on the other hand, has a subtropical climate. The best time to visit is from December to April, during the dry season. During this time, temperatures are mild and range from the high 60s to the low 80s. This is the perfect time for wildlife viewing, as many species of birds and reptiles are easier to spot during the dry season. The wet season, from May to November, is characterized by heavy rainfall and higher humidity levels. This can make it more difficult to see wildlife and can also make the park’s trails and roads impassable.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is June to September, while the best time to visit Everglades National Park is December to April. Visitors should keep in mind the seasonal weather patterns when planning their trip to either park, as the weather can greatly affect their experience.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Everglades National Park are two of the most popular parks in Florida. Both parks are family-friendly, but they offer different experiences for visitors traveling with children.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, families can enjoy snorkeling, bird watching, and exploring Fort Jefferson, a 19th-century military fortress. Children will love swimming in the clear waters and discovering the diverse marine life that inhabits the area.
Everglades National Park, on the other hand, is a vast wetland and home to a variety of wildlife including alligators, panthers, and manatees. Boardwalk trails, boat tours, and ranger-led activities are available to help visitors explore the park and learn about its unique ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a more active, water-based experience, Dry Tortugas National Park is the better choice. However, if you want to experience the diverse flora and fauna of the Everglades, Everglades National Park is the way to go. Both parks offer excellent opportunities for families to learn and explore, so it all comes down to personal preference.