Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cially when contrasted with scattered pine hammock and cypress domes, are as humbling
as any mountain range.
The Florida National Scenic Trail is one of America's 11 national scenic trails and takes
in much of the geography of the Glades. The trail enters South Florida north from the
swamps of Big Cypress National Preserve, and you can feasibly trek from here to Lake
Okeechobee. Just expect a few mosquitoes here and there, a description we'll lovingly ad-
mit is the understatement of the year.
The Royal Palm Visitor Center and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve are great spots for
more leisurely walks. These areas are both overlaid with long boardwalks that extend deep
into the heart of genuine blackwater swamps and alligator wallows. On either of these
walks, you'll come face to face with some local wildlife, usually of the avian, reptilian and
amphibian kind. The same can be said for the asphalt path that runs through Shark Valley ,
which also offers a tram tour.
The Keys
Hikes in the Keys are more like short walks along nature trails that provide insight into the
unique ecosystem that has developed amidst these mangrove islands. These trails are never
very physically demanding, and given the plethora of teaching displays that tend to accom-
pany them, they are usually fun (or at least, educational) if you have kids in tow. Our one
caveat is that it can, of course, get pretty hot on the islands. Some of our favorite nature
walks in the Keys include:
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park While this park is primarily known for its water
activities, there are some small, friendly trails here for when you're finished diving.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park Part of this Key has been carved out,
which gives you a glimpse into the complex geology of the archipelago.
Indian Key State Historic Site Rotting buildings and groves of shady trees add an almost
eerie touch to trekking across this island.
Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site Genuine jungle has reclaimed this small, isolated is-
land.
Curry Hammock State Park Narrow trails finger through the local mangrove and beachside
biomes.
Crane Point Museum The interpretative trails attached to this museum are a great intro-
ductory lesson on the ecology of the Keys.
Bahia Honda State Park Probably the best park in the Keys, filled with nature, beach and
boardwalk trails.
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