Thinking about heading to the Everglades? Or want to experience it in a different way? Try slough slogging. Ever heard of it? Slough slogging is a great way to experience the Everglades – participants get up close and personal with the environment. In short, slough slogging is a wet hike, or off-trail hiking, in the wetlands in the park with a park ranger.
By slough slogging, you get to experience the Everglades in a way most people never get to. Guides take people through the Shark River Slough. Participants must bring water, sturdy close-toed lace-up shoes, and long pants on this hiking trips; it is also suggested that people bring sunscreen, a long sleeve shirt, insect repellent, binoculars, and snacks. Groups should expect and be prepared for high water and plenty of insects that will bite.
For these trips, it’s best to plan ahead, because guided hikes in the Everglades are limited to 15 people in a group; reservations are required. To partake in a slough slogging trip, participants must be 12 years or older. These trips are free.
During these trips, groups move slowly through the muck and uneven terrains into the cypress dome. On these trips, people get the chance to see lots of different plant life, fish, and birds.
Slough slogs are scheduled and weather dependent; these hikes run several times a week from December through April, but do occur throughout the rest of the year, just less frequently. For more information, click here or call 305-242-7700.
Explore the Everglades Further
Trudging through mucky waters isn’t your thing? That’s OK, plenty of people don’t want to get dirty on a sight-seeing trip of the Everglades. For a less messy trip that will allow you to see even more of the Everglades, an airboat tour is your best bet. Whether you’re tired from slough slogging earlier in the day or don’t feel like walking around, an airboat ride provides the ideal Everglades viewing experience. To book an airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 800-368-0065 or click here to schedule a tour today.
