Trip report: Chekika in Everglades National Park
Posted on 03/22/2013
Chekika may be considered the fourth “entrance” to Everglades National Park, the third biggest in territorial size in the country.
This area has been in use since the 19th century, first as a native american camp during the Second Seminole War (from here departed the party that attacked Indian Key in the 1840s); later it was converted to a vacation resort (Grossman Hammock Mineral Springs) that got some attraction because of the healing powers attributed to its mineral waters. Today it’s mostly abandoned and the campground has been closed for years. The old mineral waters pond is dry (it worked when I visited the place around 1995).
No much to do around except using the picnic shelters, walking the small trail and sharing some time with the gators in the small water hole (saw just one grown and many babies). It must be said the park personnel taking care of the place is very friendly.
I think the name comes from a Seminole chief during the second war (they were called Spanish indians at the time).
You can read more about Chekika in this page of the Everglades National Park Website (Note that the park was just reopened in 2013 for day use but according to the press release just until April 30).
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- This is the old mineral springs pond (now dry).
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- The water hole had many gators (most were youngsters).
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- Little gator.
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- From this point all is wilderness until reaching the Florida Gulf Coast.
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- Gator in a canal bordering the road.
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- Traveling the access road.
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- The entrance to the small trail.
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- Wandering around the area.
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- Chekika entrance.
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- Access boardwalk.
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- Wide view of the dry pond.
