Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook
Experience the iconic 'river of grass' from this accessible boardwalk overlook in Everglades National Park. Stunning panoramas await.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunrise & fewer crowds
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook
Best Time
Magical sunrise & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the iconic 'river of grass' from this accessible boardwalk overlook in Everglades National Park. Stunning panoramas await.
"Sunrise at Pa-Hay-Okee is a must see. IMO this is one of the best."
🎯 Sunrise is a Must-See
Experience a peaceful sunrise here; it's one of the best views in the park.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The boardwalk is easy to navigate and wheelchair friendly, offering great views for everyone.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'River of Grass' Panorama
Observation Deck
Take in the breathtaking, vast expanse of sawgrass prairies stretching to the horizon. A true 'river of grass' view.
Sunrise Spectacle
Observation Deck
Witness a serene sunrise painting the wetlands with vibrant colors. An unforgettable, peaceful start to the day.
Birdwatching Haven
Boardwalk
Spot diverse bird species amidst the sawgrass and water. Keep an eye out for herons, vultures, and other wetland inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunrise is a Must-See
Experience a peaceful sunrise here; it's one of the best views in the park.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The boardwalk is easy to navigate and wheelchair friendly, offering great views for everyone.
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning panoramic shots of the wetlands, especially during sunrise or sunset.
💧 No Restrooms Here
Plan accordingly, as there are no bathroom facilities directly at the overlook.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunrise is a Must-See
Experience a peaceful sunrise here; it's one of the best views in the park.
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The boardwalk is easy to navigate and wheelchair friendly, offering great views for everyone.
📸 Photography Paradise
Capture stunning panoramic shots of the wetlands, especially during sunrise or sunset.
💧 No Restrooms Here
Plan accordingly, as there are no bathroom facilities directly at the overlook.
🐦 Birding Opportunities
Great spot for birdwatching; you might see herons, vultures, and other local wildlife.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of the Everglades' 'river of grass' from Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook, calling it a must-stop for its accessibility and stunning scenery. Many highlight the magical experience of sunrise and the opportunities for birdwatching. While appreciated for its ease and beauty, some note the lack of restrooms as a minor inconvenience.
"Sunrise at Pa-Hay-Okee is a must see. IMO this is one of the best. The elevation deck looks across the vast expanse of the wetlands here. Different birds from Herons to Vultures, and the gentle whispers of the wind. I was fortunate enough to be the only person at the site as the arose. This was a Saturday morning in January. Go visit for a peaceful experience."
Mike Elliott
"Definitely up there as one of my favorite trails of the park. It really lets you take in the view and lets you really see the vastness of the Everglades. This one’s a must stop if you’re short on time. It’s not a long walk at all like most of these self guided trails and can definitely do it in a wheelchair"
Noah Farmer
"TL;DR: Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout is a short, easy boardwalk hike in the Everglades with beautiful scenery and great birding opportunities. Covered observation deck, ample parking, but no bathrooms.
Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout is a lovely, short boardwalk hike in the Everglades National Forest. The scenery is stunning, with lush greenery and plenty of opportunities for bird watching—perfect for nature enthusiasts. The walk is very easy, with only a few manageable stairs at one end. The upper observation deck is covered, providing a shaded spot to enjoy the views. Parking is ample, making it convenient to access. However, note that there are no bathrooms at this location. It’s a peaceful and accessible spot for anyone looking to enjoy a bit of Everglades beauty."
Kellina Pinar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is located about 38 miles from Homestead, Florida, within Everglades National Park. You'll typically drive along State Road 9336 (Main Park Road) to reach it. The drive itself offers glimpses of the unique Everglades landscape.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Public transportation options directly to Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook are very limited. It's best to visit with your own vehicle or as part of a guided tour that includes this stop.
The most common route is via the main entrance of Everglades National Park near Homestead, then following the main park road. The overlook is well-signed along this route.
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is on the Homestead side of Everglades National Park, while Shark Valley is a separate entrance. They are not close to each other, so plan your visit accordingly if you intend to visit both.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, an entrance fee is required for Everglades National Park, which grants you access to all areas within the park, including Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. Check the official NPS website for current fees.
Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is generally accessible during daylight hours when the park is open. It's recommended to check the Everglades National Park official website for the most up-to-date operating hours.
No, there is no additional fee specifically for the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. Your Everglades National Park entrance fee covers access to this viewpoint.
You can purchase entrance passes online in advance through the official NPS website or recreation.gov, which can save you time upon arrival.
Everglades National Park offers various passes, including annual passes, senior passes, and access passes for individuals with disabilities. Check the NPS website for eligibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook trail is a very short boardwalk loop, often described as quick. Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here to enjoy the views and take photos.
Yes, the trail is a 0.2-mile boardwalk that is very easy and accessible, even for wheelchairs. There are minimal inclines.
You can spot various wildlife, including birds like herons and vultures, as well as small fish and crustaceans in the water below.
The 'river of grass' is a term used to describe the vast, shallow sawgrass prairies of the Everglades. Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook provides an iconic view of this unique ecosystem.
No, there are no restrooms or water fountains directly at the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving or at other visitor centers in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Early mornings provide a peaceful atmosphere and soft light, while evenings offer warm, golden hues.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography if you spot any birds or other animals.
The main observation deck provides the most comprehensive panoramic views. The boardwalk itself also offers opportunities to frame shots with the sawgrass and water.
Drone usage is restricted in most National Parks, including Everglades. Check the official NPS guidelines for drone regulations before your visit.
The sweeping vistas of the sawgrass prairie, the unique textures of the landscape, and the wildlife (especially birds) are prime photo subjects. The changing light during sunrise and sunset is also spectacular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Everglades' 'River of Grass'
The elevated boardwalk and observation deck at Pa-Hay-Okee allow visitors to immerse themselves in this unique ecosystem without disturbing it. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the scale and subtle beauty of the wetlands, understanding why it's often referred to as a 'river' due to its slow-moving water flow. It's a landscape that has shaped the region's history and ecology for millennia.
This overlook is particularly valuable for understanding the interconnectedness of the Everglades. The sawgrass, water, and the wildlife that depend on them all form a delicate balance. Seeing this expansive view helps visitors grasp the sheer size of the protected area and the importance of conservation efforts.
Wildlife Spotting at the Overlook
Beyond the waders, you might also spot vultures soaring overhead, a testament to the ecosystem's natural cycles. If you're lucky, you could catch glimpses of smaller creatures like fish and crustaceans in the water visible from the boardwalk. The overlook's accessibility makes it an easy place to engage in some casual birdwatching or wildlife observation without needing extensive hiking.
Remember that wildlife is most active during the cooler parts of the day, so early mornings and late afternoons can be prime times for sightings. While the overlook itself is a fixed point, the surrounding environment teems with life, offering a dynamic natural spectacle.
Photography Tips for Pa-Hay-Okee
When composing your shots, consider the textures of the sawgrass and the reflections in the water. The boardwalk itself can also serve as a leading line to draw the viewer's eye into the scene. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial, allowing you to capture birds or other animals from a distance without disturbing them.
Don't forget to experiment with different perspectives. While the main observation deck offers the most iconic panorama, walking along the boardwalk can reveal interesting compositions and details within the ecosystem. Patience is key, especially if you're waiting for the perfect light or a wildlife subject to appear.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit