Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
PLANT & ANIMAL LIFE: The mixed bald-cypresses, royal palms and abundant epiphytic plants make the forest of this park unique. The Fakahatchee Strand is about 20 miles long and from three to five miles wide. The water that flows through the Preserve is essential to its continued health, as well as the estuaries to the south of it.
The natural values of the Fakahatchee Strand are possibly greater than any comparably sized area in Florida. It hosts the largest stand of native royal palms and concentration and variety of orchids in North America. It also harbors many other extremely rare species of plants. The unusual wildlife of the Fakahatchee Strand includes many threatened or endangered species, including the Florida panther, wood stork, Florida black bear, mangrove fox squirrel and the Everglades mink.
ACTIVITIES: Facilities and activities are limited at the present time. A 2,000-foot long boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend that wanders through the old growth cypress allows you to experience this unusual swamp’s beauty. During November through February rangers conduct a “swamp walk” at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month (weather permitting). The swamp walks are limited to 15 people and reservations are required.
Jane’s Memorial Scenic Drive: $3.00 per vehicle, $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle otherwise additional fee may be required.
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk: Suggested donation $3. Donation supports the park directly through its Citizen Support Organization made up by volunteers. The boardwalk is maintained solely by volunteers. Friends of Fakahatchee State Preserve, Inc.
Open: 8:00am – Sun down
365 Days A Year
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve