Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
about 30 years, can grow up to 14ft long and weigh 1000lb. No longer officially en-
dangered, alligators remain protected because they resemble the still-endangered Amer-
ican crocodile.
South Florida is home to the only North American population of American crocodiles,
around 1500 of them. They prefer saltwater, and to distinguish them from gators, check
their smile - a croc's snout is more tapered and its teeth stick out.
Sea Turtles
Florida is the hot spot for sea-turtle nesting in the continental US. Three main species
create over 80,000 nests annually, mostly on southern Atlantic Coast beaches, but ex-
tending to all Gulf Coast beaches, too. Loggerheads comprise the vast majority, followed
by green and leatherback turtles and, historically, hawksbill and Kemp's ridley as well;
all five species are endangered or threatened. The leatherback is the largest, bulking up to
10ft and 2000lb.
During the May-to-October nesting season, sea turtles deposit from 80 to 120 eggs in
each nest. The eggs incubate for about two months, and then the hatchlings emerge all at
once and make for the ocean. Contrary to myth, hatchlings don't need the moon to find
their way.
EASTERN USA'S NATIONAL PARKS
BEST
TIMES
NAME
STATE
FEATURES
ACTIVITIES
1530ft Cadillac Moun-
tain, rocky coastline, is-
lands
Acadia Nation-
al Park
ME
hiking, cycling
May-Oct
kayaking, snorkeling,
diving, glass-bottom
boat tours
mid-
Dec-
mid-Apr
Biscayne Na-
tional Park
coral reefs, manatees,
dolphins, sea turtles
FL
Congaree Na-
tional Park
moss-draped
cypresses, swamp, owls
spring &
autumn
SC
fishing, canoeing
Cuyahoga Val-
ley National
Park
rivers, waterfalls, canal
tow path
hiking, cycling, scenic
train ride
OH
May-Oct
