Hike Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

5 miles leisurely hiking on packed dirt trams.

The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is the largest Florida State Park at 85K acres. On this hike you will be able to see several of the diverse habitats within the preserve. Guided by Debra Taylor, you will learn why the Fakahatchee is known as the Orchid Capital of North America as well as about the natural and human history of this amazing treasure.

8:00 Meet- Coastline Drive Visitor Center/Restroom Parking lot.
Pay $3 per vehicle fee, use restroom facilities
(only ones available for rest of trip). Potable water available.

8:30 a.m. drive vehicles 6 miles on Janes Scenic Memorial Drive to Gate 12 which is a gravel road.

Once at gate 12, we will start our hike past the gate on Janes Scenic Memorial Drive then hike out Gate 15 and back.

Optional: The Friends of Fakahatchee Visitor Center will be open which offers an excellent orchid guide, hats, tees and walking sticks, as well as interpretive information to enhance your visits. Optional lunch in Everglades City AND - highly recommended - visit to the Collier County Museum of the Everglades whose featured exhibit is ‘Growing Obsession-the Enchanting Story of Orchids in the Everglades’. Open until 4:00. This is the Fakahatchee story. See links.

Difficulty Rating: Leisurely

What to Bring: 2L Water (reusable bottles), Sunscreen, Snacks, Binoculars, Camera, Insect Repellent.
Rain cancels and will send notice.
Fees:
$3 State Park Fee per car up to 8 people. Can be paid using ‘Buy Before You Go’ Florida State Parks - by QR code at entrance or in cash at the Friends of Fakahatchee Iron Ranger where the fee will go directly to the Fakahatchee.

Links:
Home - Friends of FakahatcheeFriends of Fakahatchee
Exhibits - Collier County Museums
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park | Florida State Parks