Hiking Mangroves: Can You Walk in a Mangrove Forest?

While most people explore mangroves from kayaks or boats, others wonder if they can walk through mangroves.

You can walk in a mangrove forest if there is a trail or boardwalk elevated above the swamp. You can usually find these trails on public land such as state or national parks and wildlife reserves. You can also walk along the edges of some mangrove forests where the elevation is higher and there is no standing water.

Are you interested in hiking among mangroves? Read on to find out what you need to know.

Hiking in Mangroves

Mangroves are remarkable plants that grow in tropical and subtropical areas. They grow along the coast and have adapted to tolerate salt water. These plants form dense forests or swamps along coastal areas and tidal plains where they help protect the land from erosion and serve as nurseries for countless marine animals.

While kayaking, snorkeling, or boating among mangroves may be the most common and most immersive way to see these forests these options aren’t available for everybody. Walking through mangroves will allow you to experience the forest, see wildlife, and learn more about this amazing ecosystem even if you can’t get out on the water. In order to hike among mangroves, you will have to find an elevated trail or boardwalk, or limit yourself to hiking along the edges of the forest above the water level.

How to Walk in Mangroves

There are several different kinds of trails that you can take in mangrove forests. Because mangroves usually grow along coastlines in water of varying depths, most trails will be raised in some way.

Boardwalks are a popular way to walk in mangroves and allow you a view that other trails don’t, because you can look directly into the water from boardwalks. Raised trails that lead along the edges of mangrove swamps are also an effective way to see these forests. However, you can’t see into the water and see marine life from these trails as you can from boardwalks and kayaks. Finally, in some areas, you can walk through mangrove forests at low tide when the water recedes and leaves dry ground behind. It can be harder to find these areas and access them because most mangrove swamps don’t go completely dry at low tide.

In some areas, you can walk along the edges of mangrove forests, which still allows you to view the plants and animals that live there. DeSoto National Memorial, Florida.

Taking Your Family on a Hike Through Mangroves

If you are taking kids into mangrove forests on foot, there are some things to consider. First, plan your destination with kids in mind. In general, my kids prefer boardwalk trails because the variety of animals and plants is easier to see and they can look down into the water.

Also, consider what you need to bring. Most boardwalk trails are short and you won’t need to bring more than water and your phone. Apply sunscreen and bug spray before leaving the car. On longer trails, bring sun protection, extra water, and your normal hiking supplies. If you are visiting in winter, your kids might need a sweater as the wet breeze off the ocean can make skin feel cold and shivery.

Safety Considerations

Walking in mangroves is generally safe and you don’t need to worry about much. However, there are some things to consider.

Wildlife Safety: First, the thing that is probably on everyone’s mind in southern Florida is alligators and crocodiles. When you are walking in this area, it’s important to remember the basic safety rules for wildlife and teach them to your kids.

Maintain your distance
Never feed wild animals
Back away if an alligator acts territorial or approaches you
Keep small kids and pets away from water edges

Hydration and Sun Safety: You should also remember to stay safe from the sun by applying sunscreen and drinking plenty of water. This is especially important in the summer as the heat and humidity in southern Florida are intense this time of year. Finally, bring protection against biting insects like mosquitoes and no-see-ums.

Alligator attacks are rare, but you can minimize your risk by following basic wildlife safety rules.

Walking in Mangroves: Hiking Trail Suggestions

If you are interested in hiking among mangroves, the hardest part of your trip might be finding a place to do it. While paddling trails through these swamps are abundant, hiking paths are less common. Here are some options to consider:

West Lake Trail, Everglades National Park

In Everglades National Park, the best way to see mangroves is from the water. However, West Lake Trail is also a great option. This trail is a boardwalk that travels through a forest containing all three kinds of mangroves and ends in a loop overlooking West Lake. This trail is wheelchair accessible and is only about half a mile long.

Nature Trails, Fort DeSoto Park

Fort DeSoto is a huge county park with amazing beaches, a campground, and nature trails is located on a small key near St. Petersburg. Take one of the several short nature walks for a look into mangrove forests. Because this park is located near an urban area, it may not have the variety of wildlife that you could see in other areas.

Key Deer Wildlife Refuge

The Key Deer Wildlife Refuge on Big Pine Key and other lower keys is home not only to key deer but also to around 20 other endangered plants and animals. The refuge trails here are located in a variety of areas including mangroves. The Blue Hole is a popular trail for viewing wildlife.

Betty Steflik Preserve Marsh Boardwalk, Flagler Beach

The Marsh Boardwalk, also located near an urban area, is a great little hike through mangroves and along a river. Don’t expect a wilderness experience here, but you can still get a feel for the forest and its inhabitants.

Mangrove Wetlands Trail, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Another park near an urban center, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is very popular and crowded, especially on weekends. However, it’s worth mentioning for those who are traveling on this side of Florida and wish to see mangroves. The Mangrove Wetlands Trail is about 1.5 miles long.

Marsh Trail, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge has few amenities and is mostly accessible by water. However, there is a short trail through mangrove swamps near Highway 41. The Marsh Trail is a little over 2 miles long and has an overlook tower that allows hikers to see more wildlife and get a feel for the vastness of the mangrove swamp.

Nature Trail, DeSoto National Memorial

Fort DeSoto National Memorial is a great little park for history and nature lovers near Bradenton. The nature trail travels along sandy paths through mangroves and other trees and around the tip of the peninsula. You can get some views of the open water, see mangroves up close, and learn about the DeSoto expedition.

Golden Orb Trail, Long Key State Park

This trail starts out traveling through a hardwood hammock but eventually ends up in mangrove forests. Named for the spiders that used to be abundant along this trail, the Golden Orb Trail is a manageable 1.5 miles long.

Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail

The Overseas Heritage Trail travels alongside the Florida Overseas Highway and provides 90 miles of paved trails for walking and biking. The trail is not yet complete, but most of the length is complete. Many different portions of this trail travel along or through mangrove forests, as that is one of the dominant ecosystems in the Keys.