Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve
 The
world's only forest of royal palm and cypress grows in the
Fakahatchee Strand. More native orchids are found here than anywhere
else in North America, and the highly endangered Florida panther
prowls the strand as one of the last areas it inhabits. Extraordinarily
wild and untouched, the park remains one of the last strongholds
of cypress swamp in Florida.
A boardwalk
trail at Big Cypress Bend off US 41 provides the easiest access
to the park. Here you can walk past trees draped with orchids and
other air plants, while ancient cypress towers above you. For the
more adventurous, a road leads to the heart of the Fakahatchee through
dense and lush swampland. Rangers lead swamp walks the third Saturday
of each month from November through February. The walks are
limited to fifteen people and reservations are required. You may
also hike along tram roads and through the sloughs on your own,
but be sure to use caution. There are few marked trails, and the
hiking is demanding. Hiking boots, long pants, and backpacks with
supplies are highly recommended. However, for those seeking a view
of the true beauty of Florida, nothing compares to the almost spiritual
peace of this astounding place. |
