Everglades National Park begins Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook trail replacement project

The boardwalk and trail of the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Photo credit: NPS photo by Brandon Cintron Gerena

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - On March 17, Everglades National Park will begin a six-month project to replace the aging Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook boardwalk trail and tower, both of which show signs of wear and deterioration. While the Pa-Hay-Okee Road will remain open as a turnaround, the tower, boardwalk and parking lot will be closed for the duration of the project. The trail is scheduled to reopen after completion in the fall. 

“Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is a favorite stop for many park visitors as it offers a bird’s-eye view of the vast Everglades ecosystem,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos of Everglades National Park. “We are excited to undertake this project to ensure that future generations can safely experience this unique perspective of the river of grass.”

Located 13 miles from the park’s Homestead entrance, the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook is a 0.16 mile trail that provides a uniquely elevated view of the park’s landscape. In addition to replacing the 15-feet high tower and the boardwalk trail, the project will also improve the parking area and enhance pedestrian flow. The project will be completed by the same contractors The contracted work will be done by the same company that previously replaced the decking and structures on both the Anhinga and Bobcat Boardwalk Trails.

This project is funded through recreation fee funds collected from park entrance fees and reinvested into park improvements. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) enables the National Park Service (NPS) to collect recreation fees and to retain fee revenues to improve the visitor experience. This trail upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to address aging infrastructure throughout the park and ensure long-term safety and sustainability.

Check park ALERTS for the latest updates or park closures: Alerts & Conditions - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

For more information about the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook: Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Learn more about Everglades National Park online at nps.gov/ever or follow the park on Facebook, X, and Instagram.