A Paddler's Guide to Everglades National Park

My boyfriend and I went and paddled the Wilderness Waterway through the Everglades National Park in February 2008 using this guidebook, a compass and the appropriate nautical charts. We had never been to Florida before, nor had we ever undertaken such a long canoe trip. The experience was exhilarating. Route finding through the mangrove forest was very challenging, but by stopping, rereading Johnny Malloy's route descriptions as we progressed, and trusting the compass, we never did make a wrong turn. Without this guide, I'm not sure that would have been true. I was disappointed to be advised by people we met along the paddle that the "Nightmare Route" would not be passable after the most recent hurricanes of 2005 because of fallen trees and the fact that the ranger service does not maintain the route. After reading this guide, which was published in 2000, I had been totally sold on the idea of paddling the "Quintessential Everglades Route." I don't know if it is actually not passable, but we decided not to take the chance. Anyone interested should pursue more updated information. The North Harney River Route, however, was passable and satisfied some of that desire to paddle the route less taken. If you don't know what no-see-ums are, investigate protecting yourself from them before you go. Yikes!

As an experienced Everglades paddler who has logged over 400 miles in the Everglades backcountry, I can't say enough about this book. Johnny Molloy has provided a level of detail that is truly extraordinary, and his descriptions of the trails and campsites are dead on the money. The maps alone make this book worth having. This book should find a permanent place of your list of indispensable equipment for planning and conducting an Everglades backcountry expedition.

I spent four days paddling in the Everglades in January. This book was essential in choosing a route, where to camp, etc. Highly recommended if you canoe or kayak in the glades

I have done numerous loop trips in Everglades National Park by kayak. However, I have never done the entire Wilderness Waterway Trail end to end. I needed a guide to plan my next trip and after some searching, I came across A Paddler's Guide. Having read and used Molloy's "The Best in Tent Camping Florida" with much success, I ordered his new Paddler's Guide. I was really impressed with the amount of information, detailed maps, important campsite descriptions and very good general advice for anyone paddling this area. He gives you many trip options with the best possible route to get there. Even if you only have a couple of days to enjoy this wonderful area, you can easily pick from an overnight to a week long adventure. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a paddling trip to the Everglades. I certainly will use it to plan my next journey through the wilderness waterway!

Johnny Malloy gives us paddlers a concise, easy and fun to read guide of the Everglades. He includes great trip loops, what to REALLY expect in the glades, local and natural history, and a comprehensive list of what you will need to make an enjoyable trip. Having spent some time in that area, I found his information accurate on all counts. I am directionally impaired, but feel with his guide, I could make my way around alone in the glades without too many wrong turns. I especially enjoyed his list of "what's it like-paddling the Everglades" on page 3. It makes a great companion to his other guides of Florida "Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida" and "The best in Tent Camping - Florida" . I know where I am taking my winter vacation.