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The Shark Valley District of Everglades National Park was to reopen December 16/NPS
More than three months since the aftermath of Hurricane Irma forced the closure of much of Everglades National Park, the Shark Valley of the park is reopening to the public.
Barring unforeseen events, the Shark Valley District was to open back up today, December 16.
Named because its water flows southwest toward Shark River, Shark Valley is the heartland of the Everglades. At Shark Valley you can walk, bike, or ride a tram along a 15-mile loop road and see some of the park’s best wildlife concentrations. The Shark Valley observation tower offers a 360-degree view of the Everglades. The viewing deck overlooks a life-filled water hole, providing a bird’s eye view of alligators, turtles, fish, and birds.
As the park is still working to restore potable water to Shark Valley, guests should bring sufficient water for their own use for the duration of their visit. Some portions of the loop road and trails are also still under water, or slick with algae from prolonged submersion, so bicycles and pedestrians should still observe caution while these remain present.
Although the park remains open 24 hours, vehicles do not have access to the Shark Valley area after 6 p.m.
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