The Everglades - Florida - page 304

This only-in-Florida roadside attraction is dedicated to tracking down Southeastern USA's
version of Bigfoot, the eponymous Skunk Ape (a large gorilla-man who supposedly stinks
to high heaven). We never saw a Skunk Ape, but you can see a corny gift shop and, in the
back, a reptile-and-bird zoo run by a true Florida eccentric, the sort of guy who wraps al-
bino pythons around his neck for fun. Donate a few bucks at the entrance.
Florida National Scenic Trail HIKING
( www.fs.usda.gov/fnst )
There are some 31 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail within Big Cypress National
Preserve. From the southern terminus, which can be accessed via Loop Rd, the trail runs
8.3 miles north to US 41. The way is flat, but it's hard going: you'll almost certainly be
wading through water, and you'll have to pick through a series of solution holes (small
sinkholes) and thick hardwood hammocks. There is often no shelter from the sun, and the
bugs are… plentiful . There are three primitive campsites with water wells along the trail;
pick up a map at the visitor center. Most campsites are free, and you needn't register.
Monument Lake (May-Dec 14 free, Dec 15-Apr $16) has water and toilets.