Snake Bight Trail, Snake Bight Trailhead, Everglades National Park, Florida

Snake Bight Trail - 3.4 miles

Snake Bight Trailhead

The Snake Bight Trail ends at Snake Bight, a (GPS: N 25 10.475 W 80 52.434)"/>

The Snake Bight Trail ends at Snake Bight, a "bay within a bay"
(GPS: N 25 10.475 W 80 52.434)

Round-Trip Length: 3.4 miles
Start-End Elevation: 3' - 3'
Elevation Change: Nominal Elevation Change
Skill Level: Easy-Moderate
Dogs Allowed: No
Bikes Allowed: Yes
Horses Allowed: No
Related Trails:

Snake Bight Trail - 3.4 Miles Round-Trip

The Snake Bight Trail is located in the southern coastal section of Everglades National Park. This is a backcountry trail and it is recommended to call the park prior to setting out on any backcountry route.

When visitors first see the sign for the Snake Bight Trail, they assume there is a typographical error. A bight is actually a bay or large body of water. Therefore, rather than be scared off at the prospect of a snake bite, visitors can expect to see Snake Bight, a beautiful end point to a worthwhile trail.

Leaving from the marked trailhead, the trail heads due south on a packed dirt path through a tropical hardwood hammock. This hardwood hammock, one of various plant communities in the Everglades, is home to dozens of tropical tree species.

Continuing south, the trail follows a murky canal filled with brackish water and is an excellent place for birding. Regular avian visitors include wood storks, white ibis, great egrets, great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans and the occasional flamingo. Raptors include osprey and bald eagles.

A tropical canopy covers most of the trail and at the 1.4 mile mark, the canopy opens up to reveal the sky as it encounters the Rowdy Bend Trail split. The Snake Bight and Rowdy Bend Trails can be linked to create a longer hike or bike route.

Continue south on the Snake Bight Trail and within .3 miles, the trail breaks through the hardwood hammock to unveil the Florida coast. A raised boardwalk leads out into Snake Bight, a bay within the larger Florida Bay. While tempting, it is not recommended to try and walk out beyond the boardwalk at low tide. The ground is very soft and people have become stuck in the mud, knee-deep and unable to extricate themselves.

The waters of Snake Bight are actually quite shallow; a foot or less most places, even at high tide. At low tide much of the Bight is exposed as mud flat or grass flat. In winter, tens of thousands of wading birds and shore birds may feed at Snake Bight. High tide brings them closer to shore for viewing while at low tide, these birds may be distributed over a much wider area.

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Interactive GPS Topo Map

Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84

  • N 25 12.061 W 80 52.452 — Snake Bight Trailhead
  • N 25 10.865 W 80 52.457 — Snake Bight Trail - Rowdy Bend Trail split
  • N 25 10.475 W 80 52.434 — Snake Bight Boardwalk and Overlook - End of Trail

Worth Noting

  • Snake Bight is actually a separate bay within Florida Bay, that is, a large body of water within an even larger body of water

  • Visitors may park anywhere along the shoulder of the road, so parking is virtually unlimited

  • Biking is permitted on this trail but motor vehicles of any kind of strictly prohibited

  • Snake Bight is a popular day paddle from the Flamingo Area. Low tide or strong north wind may make the route impassable due to lack of water

  • As with any Everglades trail, bug repellent and sunscreen makes for a much more enjoyable experience

Camping and Backpacking Information

  • Camping is available with a backcountry permit (required).

Rules and Regulations

  • Biking is permitted on the Snake Bight Trail.

  • Disturbing wildlife is illegal and violators are harshly punished.

Directions to Trailhead

The Snake Bight Trailhead is four miles (6 km) north of the Flamingo Visitor Center on the main park road. There is a clearly marked sign on the side of the road.

Contact Information

Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733

By Phone
Visitor Information
305-242-7700

By Fax
305-242-7711

Trip Reports

There are no trip reports on this trail.



Comments

"Still Summer in September here...wet, overgrown (head high and thick weeds on trail at many areas)... Pygmy Rattlers on trail, and hundreds of thousands of thirsty mosquitos (that laugh at less than 60% DEET)...far fewer birds and mammals here, than years ago, due to Python invasion...don't try this in mid to late Summer unless you are ready for the mosquitos and deerflies....maybe the worst anywhere !"
Bo Chambers  -  Port Salerno, Florida  -  Date Posted: December 15, 2012
"Did this, even though the rangers warned me against it. A beautiful trail, but the mosquitos are voracious in summer (especially after rain) - even the buzzing is blinding. Definitely coming again, but I think I'll wait for winter."
Kris Haggblom  -  Treasure Coast, Florida  -  Date Posted: July 19, 2012

 

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