I figured I live close by so I took advantage. The first 10 mile or so of the road is paved and the rest is gravel road. Its such a major problem that the state hires bounty hunters to kill as many as possible but they barely make a dent in their population. The summer-early fall rainy season is the worse time to try to traverse it. 
As a kid, of course I was in the back seat. Wow another so called expert on the Everglades. 
Madison. Find out more here. Its called the Loop Road and is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve. Fort Lauderdale. The tropical wetland is not like any other in the world. Wakulla. Geneva. We will be back again the day after Christmas for 3 weeks. Always see gators on the alley. Hi Edward, Cocoa Beach. A third option if you are brave enough to exit your vehicle and step out is to go for a hike in the Everglades. On the other hand, the water is really the true home for the alligator and its a special thing to see alligators in their natural element. Perhaps since youre in a semi you have a better vantage point. Read more: 7 reasons to visit the Everglades >>. DeBary. Right there on the Real Alligator Alley. Hi Max, St. Marks. Sanford. Also, Panthers? Although alligators can be found all over the state of Florida, the Everglades is the perfect place to encounter alligators. One crossing the road which backed up traffic for about 15 minutes and another laying on the side of the road that a driver had hit. Crescent City. no way can you drive that stretch of highway and not see some gators. Nice out of the way road (starts paved) takes you through the Everglades, we always do this road in the car, it's too long to walk in my experience. The combo of flamingos and American crocodiles in the Redland mangroves of Homestead near the Florida Power & Light Plant will make you wonder how they get along. According to this article, it is the real alligator alley. Apparently, it is the road to the south, that connected Miami Florida with Floridas Gulf [], Your email address will not be published. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. In the sixties, long before I-75 was built, we travelled Alligator Alley to loop road occasionally. Im younger and dont read stuff like this often let alone comment. I showed him the pics of the croc we saw a few miles west of his store and he closed his store down to witness it for himself. I always see alligators when driving I-75, but Im the family wildlife spotter in general. Deltona. Shark Valley, the northern entrance to Everglades national park, is on the Tamiami Trail. Thanks for the comment Stan. But where to see alligators in Florida for the best experience? In fact you won't need to drive fast as you have to stop frequently for seeing/photographing alligators. We also saw different birds all sitting in the moss covered branches or on the ground or on the waterline. And Ive been driving across it for years. However, you dont need to be deep into the wild to spot an alligator. Winter Springs. Started in 1957 as a roadside attraction to show tourists one of the two Florida experiences they wanted alligators! Sarasota. Palm Bay. Last Updated on March 30, 2022 by Jim Ferri, The real Alligator Alley in Florida is a step back into another world. So you will know they also have a nice Hotel and Gambling Area. Jim But if your in the area definetly do the Black Point Wildlife Drive, no rails and you will see gators (and otters, you can see them play around sometimes). Years ago Id say back in the 70 to 80s on alligator Alley they fenced it off on both sides so the alligators didnt come out there and get run over but you used to see him all the time loop road is behind used to be Monroe station hunt fish camp all the time many years early 60s 70s I watched them put the first pythons back in there and I would say probably about 1971 thats when I seen it started and I was 14 at 14 or 15 years old but I remember seeing alligators all the time 100 Big Cypress and the state park I lived out there for 20 years beautiful and boy how is the army corps of engineer and how should I say progress is ruined it absolutely ruined it, Thank you Mitch. We have probably seen 200 - 300 of them in this short trip. Everglades National Park| Royal Palm Hammock(25.381913, -80.609572)0.8 miles, For most visitors, the Anhinga Trail is their first glimpse into Everglades National Park. Melbourne. About 80% of the road is gravel, but it is an outstanding way to get a close look at the Everglades wildlife. Estero. You will see many gators and birds along the road. This is the best time of year to see many gators since they come out of the cool winter waters to sun themselves. The trip home proved to be uneventful. Jim, Can you give little bit more detailed information about Cyprus National Preserve? Jupiter. Suwannee Springs. We also tend to travel the Alley year round, usually on weekends and there are always gators. A popular way to see alligators in the Everglades is by taking an airboat tour. But in the winter months, when the waters cool down a few degrees, many come out of the water. Hi Jim, really enjoyed your article. Deland. We saw very few cars or people on this real Alligator Alley, even at midday, since few know about it. Juno Beach. Oh my God youre coming back????!!!! Hi Sharon, Immokalee. 
Micanopy. Kissimmee. The man must have been SLEEPING in the back seat. Other animals you might spot apart from gators are turtles, anhingas, herons and egrets. Take this partial gravel/blacktop road through the everglades, Big Cypress area. Jim. South Bay, SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Big Pine Key. In the crystal-clear waters little fish darted about in the shadows of ferns that cascaded over the bank. Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides. Thanks Susie, Tampa. It may not be as luxurious for you, but it was a favorite stretch of Florida for my childhood! it looks grate to go to i bet you had fun their, can you find snakes their ? Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Hi jim , My name is Derrell Reagan and im 86 years old and born and raised in Miami. Here you can take an airboat tour, go for a hike or even see gators from the window of your own car. Ive never seen snakes there although there are many throughout the preserve. treasures.. Hi Debby, I am a Miami native and I am bit confused. LaBelle. I took the Tamiami Trail all the way til the end. Punta Gorda. Ive passed Shark Valley several times but never took the road. Everglades City. Ormond Beach. Coast to Coast Trail. I see them in St. Pete all of the time. Cross Florida Greenway. The visitor centre offers exhibits and programmes and a 15-mile loop road leads to a t observation tower. Hi Mary, Its a road off Hwy 41. Every one in a while in the news youll see a photo/video of 5-6 people holding one thats 20+ feet long. Back in the early seventies Alligator Alley was just a two-lane Road ( before Interstate 75 was built) at night you could not see the alligators in the road and would hit them. I have crossed Alligator Alley the two-lane road many times and Gators would be all over the road and on sides of the road. Frostproof. Traveled that road in February and only saw onethank God! Palatka. Cedar Key. We once convinced a Texas friend of this, when she was halfway out of the car to pull its tail. Hi James, When I was a teenager, alligator alley was 2 lanes , youd have to stop as gators would cross the road , or lay sleeping on it. Carrabelle. Lots of gators, heron, ibis and heron in as natural a habitat as you can find. Loop road IS directly off Alligator Alley, the only Alligator Alley IVE ever heard of until I read your article. Road maps can be deceiving; everything looks so close together in the Everglades/Big Cypress area. If your interested let me know. Everglades in Florida is one of the best places in America to spot alligators. Although i dont live in Fla. Anymore , i could tell you a good story about loop road. Thank you for posting this information about loop rd we just moved to south Florida earlier this year and had family in town for the holidays and wanted to see some gators and thanks to your post we were able to do just that today!!! Tallahassee. The tower offers the parks best panorama of the Everglades, as well as excellent opportunities to watch alligators, turtles, wading birds and possibly snail kites. There were a few gators that day in a quarry. New Port Richey. Lake Mary. Just dont get too close to the gators Robyn! But it certainly doesnt live up to the name- not anymore anyway. Can we do this the next time we come visit?? Timucuan Preserve. Monticello. Hi Jim, I will be in South Florida next week Many come to Miami now on 75, but that is not the same road as Tamiami Trail that connects Naples and Miami. Yes, Ive seen some crocodiles out in that area also. If you have problems finding it let me know. Spring Hill. You really need to go to Loop road during the winter months when the water gets cool and they come out to sun themselves and warm up (the same as down on Loop Rd). 60 feet (18 m) is generally regarded as a safe distance to alligators. Contact them through their site: http://www.nps.gov/bicy/. Using the GPS in our car we found the easterly end of it and off into the wilderness we went. Nature & Wildlife Areas, Valleys, Biking Trails. I was born and raised in Miami. we are coming from nj to look for snakes, we need some help knowing where to look, This area is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve. Its very likely that alligators will show themselves close to the road or even on the road. Canaveral National Seashore. Great story, Jim. Its a dirt road, so you shouldnt go there if youre in a hurry anyway. If youre not a fisherman or truck driver youll see more gators on Loop Road. Wasnt overly safe esp if road was flooded over , Up ahead, every now and then, groups of vultures stood in the middle of the road as if to blockade us from venturing further on. It then quickly flew away as our car edged forward. Key West Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters Museum, FL, Spectacular road trip to Niagara Falls from Florida, Where to stay near Dry Tortugas National Park, FL. Bushnell. Fisheating Creek. Sebring. It was a beautiful scenery all the way. Weve been across it in semis,and you can see a ton of Gators, he must of went through at night. Branford. At various places wed pull over when we saw alligators lying along the side of the road on creek banks. If you have the time and want to see the real Everglades, this sidetrip is well worth you effort and time. Gatorland is not just a historic Florida attraction but an immersion into what this part of Central Florida used to be, a cypress swamp full of critters. This travel site can exist thanks to compensation from advertising and affiliate links. Plus theyre staying on the highway and keeping their eyes on the road. Truck drivers can see so many things the rest of us cant. You ever see crocs that far north? Crystal River. No way would I do it in a canoe, however. Dade City. We saw the croc in the canal just west of hwy 29 or just west of big cypress. I first heard of Loop Road a few years ago on a program on National Public Radio, of all places. Everglades National Park. Theyre killing much of the other wildlife in the Everglades. I just looked it up and, unfortunately, found that Monroe Station burned down last year. Required fields are marked *. St. With all possible gator stops along the way its wise to budget for at least 2 hours. Drive just couple of miles from the shark valley road on US41 and you will see the signs of loop road on left. White Springs. It's truly a unique experience, very relaxing. I love Florida, but it is probably the flattest state. High Springs. My answer: I dont know. At a first thought it might seem a bit illogic to see Everglades by car. Back in the early 70s there was a man that was probaby the most famous man that posched gatars for years and the law could never catch him.Its real and i road with him one night and its an experience that i will never forget . It was our own National Geographic moment. Want to see Roseate spoonbills? Jensen Beach. Christmas. Palm Beach. Cloud. Boynton Beach. Brooksville. Fort Myers. Clermont. Baldwin. Maybe I got a bad piece. They are everywhere - on the road, on the curb, swimming across the shallow water on both side of the road. You wont be disappointed. Jim. It is quite an adventure. In nearly every body of water. Also, remember that its illegal to feed any gators you might encounter. Beautiful shaded areas. Your email address will not be published. Shame on you for such false information! Fort Pierce. It can make you a little nervous. Orlando. Melbourne Beach. Lake Wales. Today you might see a few here and there but thats about it. I live in KS now off the Kansas River and so far Ive come out of the house in the morning to find a deer and mama possum. If anyone reads this post its definitely worth your time. Ive never seen any panthers that, as you likely know, are an endangered species. Orange Park. Also, I saw you mention in another comment, the road to Cape Canaveral, I agree its a nice gator spot. Ive driven the ally in my cars for over 30 years, and always see gators sometimes more often than others. At every culvert, or opening in the trees that line the road, there are good views of the swamp - cypress trees covered with epiphytes, alligators, turtles, fish, and many birds. We usually went in February or March. Okeechobee. Chuluota. Key West. It was totally quiet except for the sound of an occasional bird off in the trees somewhere. Freeport. In spring, alligators become more active as the days warm up. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2022 James Ferri Associates LLC. Thank you Allison. Any suggestions are welcomed! And when they are in the dark liquid the look you get isnt as comprehensive as if they were on land. Then they lie sunning themselves along the banks of the streams and marsh alongside the road. Keystone Heights. Glad you got to see them! It just happened to be where I clicked on the map). Not everyone likes alligators. It takes a little more than 1 hour to drive the entire stretch depending on how carefully you drive. Thank you Cecilia. Everglades is a unique region in the southern part of Florida. Immokalee. While in the area, a must see is Clyde Butchers gallery at Hwy 41 Tamiami Trail Mile Marker 54.5 Jim. Marathon. Thanks for your comment. Trenton. In the cooler months just be careful where you walk when you get out of your car. It starts just after the shark valley visitor center road of the Everglades national park. Vernon. By the way, I totally agree with you about the River of Grass and how it is being destroyed by big sugar and real estate moguls and the state and local governments that allow them to do what they to this national treasure. Don't feel compelled to drive the entire loop. Youll see other wildlife, as well. It depends on the weather. The sight and sounds of birds were great also! When he said hes been across alligator alley and never saw an alligator,what the hell was he smoking. Niceville. But nothing beats seeing alligators in their natural habitat in the Everglades National Park in Florida. Inverness. Maybe not so many out there now, maybe you had to be in those years! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Lakeland. De Leon Springs. Ive been across Floridas Route 75 the famous Alligator Alley many times and Ive never seen an alligator. Destin. (My apologies to whomever if anyone lives at #15. Its true information written for the average traveler, whos driving along Alligator Alley sitting low in a car and usually traveling at high speed. But I meant its not Alligator Alley but something much better! Anybody see any? Best thing to do is check with the National Park Service at Everglades National Park. Im not an alligator expert but I know that when the weather is cool the water cools down and the gators come out to warm themselves. Weve been taking the Alley for years and every trip we see gators. Navarre Beach . Jim, I am happy to read a great story from an expert on where to find the alligators and other creatures. Ellaville. Davie. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I made a mental note to check it out next time I was in the area. Gotta add, though, that Im its safe to stand within a few feet of alligators as long as youre not threatening them. Pahokee. The feared and sometimes erratical alligator. NORTHWEST FLORIDA Apalachicola. Mayo. Theyre expecting to see a lot of gators and depending on the season dont see any. Hey Jim! New Smyrna Beach. In the heart of Gator Country, a deep sinkhole swallows the waters of Paynes Prairie at its northeastern rim in Gainesville: La Chua Sink. To keep the alligator experience pleasant its important to remember to keep your distance. I agree 100% I driven across dozens of times and never have i not seen an alligator. This map is interactive; press +/- to enlarge it or make it smaller. Its also a campground. Youll find Loop Road halfway across State Road 41, the southernmost road that crosses the state from Miami to Naples, FL. Welaka. All rights reserved. Belleview. There are some there, of course, but nothing like youll see in the cooler months on Loop Road. But American alligators can be found throughout Southestern United States. Go to Google Maps and google 15 Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141 and it will show you where it begins on its eastern end. And while gators are cool, my absolute favorite thing out in the everglades is the Wood Stork. Nor do you want to walk your dog along the road here, since Fido is an alligators favorite treat. What a neat place to visit! Osteen. Ocala. Is loop road the actual highway 41 or is it a rod off of 41? I've taken Loop Road several times and have experienced different sightings each time. Chipley. East Coast Greenway. We went down alligator alley years ago and did see many alligators laying about the water beside the road. You need to do a little bit ,actually a lot more research Cape San Blas. A brand new boardwalk now provides a closer look. I was kind of worried about snakes but we didnt see any. Where can you see alligators in Florida? Chattahoochee. Bunnell. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Biscayne National Park. Then many many years later as a truck driver I had to go across alligator alley and it was 4 lanes, built up and a toll road . We try to keep safe distances from these animals, and alert anyone in the area that there are gators near by. Its great, isnt it? After seeing the alligators we went by a school and there was one gentlemen dress with his attire. Even though the Anhinga Trail isnt very long it gives you a good feeling for the Everglades. The loop road is a ~26 mile long diversion from the highway 41. Tuning in I heard a writer for Sports Illustrated telling the shows host about growing up in Miami. Hi Adam, Hi Kathie, Sometimes we would stand outside the car and only hear birds singing in the towering cypress about us. You can get across Loop Road anytime of year, although its difficult in the rainy season (the summer months). Im certain the park rangers can tell you where to go. Im glad you enjoyed it Carla, and that it brought back good memories. The road runs you through the wooded cypress areas with moss hanging from the trees, to the grassland areas. Moore Haven. On Loop Road youll also see more in the cooler weather when they come out of the water to warm themselves. Merritt Island. Crestview. Old Alligator Alley was always SR-41. Also Eagles and Ospreys. I fish off those ramps and many a gator have chased my catch as Im reeling in. Southern fl is the best. Im not a big fan myself. You see them in the water, but need to look closely. Tamiami trail, aka Calle Ocho (5th st.) after 1980. Perry. She died. In the Gambling Area the dinner is very affordable and delicious. Jim. I have lots of pics too. Mount Dora. Its possible to find the iconic Florida animal all over the state. Sorry, Roger, Ive seen them in plenty of other places but never on alligator alley. Just dont stoop or sit because thats when you start to look more like possible prey. And there were alligators everywhere! During the winter dry season after the road has been filled and leveled by the Park Service the drive is much easier both on your car and your bottom. Cheers. Of course, well be glad to take you out there. After that they are ALWAYS THERE. Live Oak. The loop itself is a leisurely two-hour bike ride, best in early morning when deer are grazing in the marsh and otters are playing in the water. Weeki Wachee. Blackwater River State Forest. Egrets, spoonbills, heron and vultures. Use the booking tool below to find the perfect Everglades accommodation. Yeehaw Junction, SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Bradenton . Kingfishers tend to hang out on the phone wires. A few years later as I was crossing the Everglades on Route 75, I talked my wife and some friends into tracking down the Loop. Mossy Head. Talbot Islands. One of the most popular trails in the Everglades is the Anhinga Trail. Chiefland. Ive seen gators here and there behind the giant fence that blocks them from getting onto the highway along 75/ alligator alley.
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