Pineland Hiking and Biking Trails

South Florida's pinelands are islands of higher, infrequently flooded ground dottedwith dense stands of broad-leaved trees and shrubs, and surrounded by thousands ofacres of open wet prairies.

Most of the pines in this area were logged before the establishment of EvergladesNational Park in 1947. Roads created by logging, fire roads and old farm access roadshave created a 43 mile (69 km) network of paved and primitive trails through the

_ pinelands. Closed to vehicular traffic, most of these trails are simply two ruts in tl}elimestone bedrock. They are ideal for long, leisurely hikes, and a few are open forbicycling.

Trail Access

Pinelands Ecology

Wilderness

The Long Pine Key picnic area, 6 miles(10 km) from the main entrance, providesparking and easy access to the pineland trails.You may also park on road shoulders near thegates where trails meet paved roads.Emergency access to the area may benecessary so please avoid blocking the gates.Hikers can easily get around or under thegates.

The pinelands are the most diverse habitat inEverglades National Park, consisting of anopen south Florida slash pine forest with anunderstory of saw palmetto and over 200species of subtropical plants. They are alsoone of the last refuges for the elusive Floridapanther.

Fire is an important force in maintaining thepineland habitat. Historically, fires, ignited bylightning, burned through the pine forestsevery 4 to 7 years.

Most pineland trails are within the MarjoryStoneman Douglas Wilderness Area.To minimize impact in wilderness areas,motorized vehicles, bicycles and pets are notpermitted. Bicycles are allowed on pavedroads, the Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and theOld Ingraham Highway.

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

Many sections of the pineland trail system arenot suitable for hiking during the summermonths due to abundant mosquitoes and mud.The Old Ingraham Highway is a goodalternative with year-round access. Thisformer road is ideal for extended hikes andbike trips. If you wish to walk or bike theentire road, be prepared for a 22 mile (35 km)round trip.

Those fires kept the forest floor clear of fastgrowing hardwoods that would otherwiseovertake and replace the pines, destroying thediversity of the understory. Since manywildfires must now be extinguished for thesafety of visitors and local residents, theNational Park Service replaces them withprescribed burns when conditions permit safe,manageable fires.

Please remember, all plants and animals areprotected. Disturbing or feeding wildlife isillegal and can be dangerous. Wildernesscamping is allowed, but a permit must first beobtained at the park Entrance Station. Pleasepack out your trash.

Printed through the generosity of the Everglades Association

Printed 3/2005

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