Hikes 
South Florida Everglades National Park – Otter Cave Hammock Trail
South Florida Everglades National Park – Otter Cave Hammock Trail
Everglades National Park – Otter Cave Hammock Trail
Written by Sandra Friend
The Otter Cave Trail at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park is a loop through a tropical hardwood hammock accessed via the paved loop road in the River of Grass.Along its route, it skirts around many solution holes. Look down into them and see how they form a Swiss-cheese network of passageways right under your feet. This is the bedrock of the Everglades, which allows water to flow within a protected aquifer just below the surface. You will also have the opportunity to see alligators and wading birds.
Guidebooks
The Hiking Trails of Florida's National Forests, Parks, and Preserves
Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State
South Florida: An Explorer's Guide
Directions
Directions & LocationFrom the junction of SR 997 (Krome Ave) and US 41 west of Miami, drive 18 miles to the Miccosukee Reservation; the park entrance is on the south side of the highway.
Overview
OverviewLocation: Miccosukee
Length: 1 mile
Lat-Long: 25.747233, -80.766517
Type: loop
Fees / Permits: $10 per car entrance fee, receipt good for entrance at any other unit of ENP for 1 week
Good for: scenic pools, wildlife, solution holes
Difficulty: 3 of 5
Bug factor: 4 of 5
Restroom: No
The parking area is open 8:30-6. Use the paved tram road to access the trail. At times of high water, the trail will be flooded and warnings will be posted at the trailhead. You may still get your feet wet on this hike even when the trail is open.
