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.