Located several miles north of Flamingo along Main Park Road, this self-guiding boardwalk trail wanders through a forest of white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), black mangrove (Avicennia nitida), red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) trees to the edge of West Lake. These mangroves serve as a nursery for marine life including shrimp, crabs, lobsters, oysters, and fish. The groping roots provide abundant protection from hungry creatures including raccoons, opossums and birds. Sightings of the endangered American crocodile have been recorded at West Lake. Alligators are abundant. This trail is handicapped accessible.

Directions: From Flamingo, FL, West Lake Trail is 30.5 miles (61 km) southwest from the main entrance (Main Park Road), at the southern end of the park.

Elevation: 5 feet

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Distance: 0.5 miles

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Easy

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