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Vast wilderness preserve protecting rare orchids, towering cypress forests, scenic boardwalks, and one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in North America.
How to Get There
From Naples (40 mi): Take I-75 south to Exit 80, follow SR 29 south toward Copeland, then continue to Janes Scenic Drive and the preserve entrance near the Fakahatchee Strand visitor area.
Overview
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is Florida's largest state park, protecting more than 85,000 acres of swamp forest between Big Cypress National Preserve and the western Everglades. Often called the "Amazon of North America," it holds more native orchid species than anywhere else in North America, including the rare ghost orchid made famous by The Orchid Thief. Towering bald cypress rise above wetlands draped in ferns and bromeliads, and boardwalks and scenic drives make this wild landscape surprisingly accessible.
Wildlife here includes black bears, alligators, otters, bobcats, the endangered Florida panther, and a long list of wading birds. Guided tram tours and swamp walks are the best way to get deep into the strand and track down its rarest orchids.
Top Trails
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
Length: 0.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
One of the preserve's most popular stops, this accessible boardwalk travels through ancient cypress swamp thick with orchids, ferns, and wildlife.
Jane's Scenic Drive
Length: 11 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
An unpaved route through the heart of the preserve by car, bike, or on foot, passing alligators, birds, and remote cypress forest.
East Main Tram Trail
Length: Variable
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Follows historic logging tram roads deep into the strand, with a good chance of spotting wildlife and rare plants along the way.
Ghost Orchid & Swamp Walk Expeditions
Length: Variable
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Guided swamp walks take adventurous visitors off-trail into remote sections of the preserve in search of the ghost orchid and other rarities.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article for Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and information from the official Florida State Parks website, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
