Nine Mile Pond...

Paddling in Everglades National Park, Florida

Nine Mile Pond is a 5-mile loop (nine miles was the distance from the old visitor center) through sawgrass prairie, past tree islands and mangrove. Motor craft are prohibited. Canoes can be rented at Flamingo Visitor Center marina where you'll get a key to unlock one where they're stored at Nine Mile Pond. (Detailed map and photos below.)

Paddle Everglades, Nine Mile Pond, kayak, canoe, Florida

Paddling Map - Nine Miie Pond
Flamingo Area, The Everglades

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Distance: 5 mile loop, or 3.5 miles if you take the shortcut
Location: Collier County (Everglades National Park)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Tidal: Yes
Launch point: 11 miles north of Flamingo off Main Park Road (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Miami, Miccosukee Indian Reservation

Rentals/Outfitters/Tours:

Canoes on-site. Register at Flamingo Visitors Center
Garl's Coastal Kayaking (tours)

Support and Advocacy:

National Park Foundation
The Alliance for Florida's National Parks
Friends of The Everglades

Page Summary:

Paddling at Nine Mile Pond
- Nine Mile Pond
- At the Launch
- Plants and Wildlife
More Information and Resources

Paddling at Nine Mile Pond... Comments and Photos

Nine Mile Pond is shallow and impassable in dry season (check with the Park rangers), and crossing the open part when it's windy can be choppy. The mangrove tunnels can be tight, bring a take-apart paddle or canoe paddle. There are no dry areas on this paddling trail to stop and stretch.

Nine Mile Pond

The trail is marked by 116 PVC markers with a shortcut at marker #44 to marker #82. To avoid pushing your way through the "breadsticks" (periphyton) past this point, we recommend taking this shortcut. At the end of the trail and before entering the main pond are two small ponds with excellent bird watching and an alligator or two.

Launching from Nine Mile Pond

On the pond

Into the mangrove

Through the mangrove

Through the "breadsticks"

At the Launch

The launch area is located off the main park road about 11 miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center. The launch area is flat and open, easy on and off with the parking lot adjacent, no other facilities. Rentals are available, outfitters also meet here.

Launch area at Nine Mile Pond

At launch

Outfitter

Rentals

Plants and Wildlife

Wildlife include alligators, turtles, a variety of birds, turtles, and fish - plus, crocodiles can be seen. Assorted flora both above and below the water.