Shark Valley
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Shark Valley is part of Everglades National Park, located on US HWY 41 near the Miami Dade-Collier County line. There is a 15 mile paved trail that can be used for biking or hiking. This trail is in an uneven shape, with a meandering eastern road north to the tower, and a straight road south from the tower back to the same starting point. At the seven mile marker there is a 65 foot observation tower overlooking a large gator hole with 10 to 20 alligators congregating together. A tram uses these trails to give tours to people who do not wish to bike or hike on the trail. Bikes are available for a rental fee. Also helmets are available, for Florida state law indicates that it is illegal for anyone below the age of 16 not to wear a helmet while biking.
Wildlife seen in Shark Valley include alligators, ibis, Wood storks, spoonbills, raccoons, deer, lizards, snakes and herons.
Recreation includes the aforementioned observation tower, seven miles down the trail. It is the midpoint in the trail used by trams, bikers, and hikers. Also along the paved trail several nature trails are present. These nature trails connect the paved trails. Also at the end of the paved 14 mile trail, right near the parking lot there is a dock with the view of alligators and other Everglades wildlife available.
