Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park 137 Coast Line Drive, Copeland, FL 34137
About the Business
Located at 137 Coast Line Drive in Copeland, Florida, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a must-visit tourist attraction for nature lovers. As the largest state park in Florida, Fakahatchee is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species that are unique to this area.
Visitors to the park can expect a focus on preserving the natural character of the area, with limited facilities and activities available to ensure a true wilderness experience. The park is divided into four main use areas, including the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade lakes, and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.
The park's trails are cleared tram roads that date back to the land's logging days in the mid-20th century. Two popular hiking trails, the East and West Main trams, offer visitors the chance to explore the park's stunning landscapes. The West Main Tram takes hikers through strand swamp and into a beautiful marl prairie, while the East Main Tram offers a more adventurous 8-mile hike through the park's dominant natural community.
Please note that effective March 13, 2024, the main entrance at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park will be undergoing maintenance, so visitors may experience slight delays when entering the park. Be sure to adhere to all posted signage during your visit.
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Location & Phone number
137 Coast Line Dr, Copeland, FL 34137, United States
Reviews
"Fakahatchee Strand is stunningly beautiful. The trails are amazing, you will see gators, even on the trail! I had an amazing day hiking and enjoying the real Florida that this park is doing an excellent job of preserving!"
"We drove the 6 miles to hike the East Main Tram Trail. The road is rough, we did less than 10 mph so it took almost an hour to get out there. The hike is 2 miles to the cabin (private property), but a nice hike. At the cabin the trail splits, to the left there were a ton of big alligators sun bathing which was cool to see."
"If you want to get a taste of what southwest Florida looked like prior to all the development, Fakahatchee is the place to go. You can drive roughly 6 miles on Jane’s Scenic Drive to a grassy parking area. There is amazing wildlife there though the animals and birds aren’t easy to spot given the dense swamp/forest on both sides of the road. I personally have seen Everglades mink, deer, gators, red shouldered hawks and one baby cottonmouth swimming in a pool off to the side. Florida panthers have been seen there but I’ve not been so lucky as to spot one (yet!). If you’re interested in wildlife, best to go early, right when they open or just before dusk. The dirt road can be rutted so have in mind that it’s a slow bumpy drive. It’s also a great spot for gravel biking and running. From the parking area at the end of the drive you can either continue straight past the gate for another five miles to an adjacent park or take the path to the right which will lead you to the Fakahatchee “Hilton”, situated on a small lake crammed full of gators. There is a nice dock from which to see them. It’s roughly 2.5 miles to get there. The trail continues but that’s as far as I’ve gone. Be aware that gators may be found sunning themselves on the trail!"
"Beautiful and easy hike. Make sure you take water and comfortable shoes. Lots of wild life to see."
"This is a wonderful place to come hiking and see wildlife, native plants and just disconnect. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get outdoors."
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