Gumbo Limbo Trail — Local services in Florida City

Although Gumbo Limbo is a short trail, it has a lot for those who take time to read signs and look closely at the vegetation and ground. During parts of the year, this trail is alive with Zebra butterflies. While it's not a much of a "wow" as most other trails in the Everglades, it does have it's charm. Before hurricane Andrew (1992), you could not see the sky from the trail because the growth was so thick. By the early 2010's, it was still mostly open to the sky, and in recent years it is slowly getting more of its canopy back. It's funny hearing people talk about the millions of mosquitoes in the summer. Hey, WHY would you ever come to see the Everglades in the summer anyhow???? :) Look closely at what's around you. The Everglades contains hidden jewels that must be searched for and discovered, not the typical grand vistas of other...

TL;DR: The Gumbo Limbo Trail at Royal Palm Visitor Center is a magical half-mile loop through dense, ancient trees, resembling a fairytale forest. Short but enchanting—don’t miss it and don't forget your bug spray!

The Gumbo Limbo Trail, located at the Royal Palm Visitor Center in the Everglades, is absolutely enchanting. This short, half-mile loop takes you under a dense canopy of overgrown trees and ancient growth, creating a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale forest. The contrasting dark and light through the trees adds to the surreal beauty, making it a joy to walk through.

While the trail is short, it’s packed with charm and character, and I loved every moment of it. If you’re at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, this trail is an absolute must for a quick yet unforgettable...

A very short paved loop trail that takes you into a dense canopy of assorted tropical plants that are native to S. Florida, most notably the Gumbo Limbo tree aka Tourist tree (for its peeling burnt bark appearance, I see you Floridians and your humor). I went on a windy, partly cloudy, Wednesday on Feb 2nd with a temperature of 24C/76F, there were ZERO bugs. If you are looking for some solitude and soaking in nature come here a little on the earlier side, folks seem to show up here a little later 1030 and on (ie school buses and large tours of elderly). Allow yourself to stop and read the metal placards, they are really insightful.

Ps: the Ahinga Trail is on the same park so you might as well enjoy that too, a...