The entrance to Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is not at all impressive; it’s just a nondescript shell/limestone trail along a stockade fence bordering the Miccosukee Village. But soon enough, it starts to get interesting. Watch for alligators on the banks of the canal to the right! Part of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the boardwalk allows you to observe a virgin cypress swamp up close. You’ll be in the most densely visited area of the Strand here, but it probably won’t feel like it.
What’s a Strand?
By the way, have you wondered what a “strand” is? I did, and it was on this boardwalk that I got my answer. When cypress grow in a clump with the tallest trees in the center and smaller trees along the edge, this is a cypress “dome.” This growth habit is caused by the root of the trees reaching into a supply of fresh water – the trees with the best access to the water grow the tallest, and the others never quite catch up, leading to a dome shape. In a “strand,” however, the trees are growing in a long pattern, following flowing surface water, as happens in the Fakahatchee Strand.
Once you leave the shell trail and enter the boardwalk, you may feel that you’ve entered a sacred space. Royal palms reach for the sky and strangler figs can be seen at work on many trees; clear water moves beneath your feet and birds share branches with epiphytes overhead. We were not terribly far from Tamiami Trail, where the traffic never ends, but we were not conscious of any road noise on the Boardwalk.
At the end of the boardwalk
When you have walked just over half a mile, the boardwalk ends at a small pond. There are water birds and gators here, and Judy and I happened upon a group of birdwatchers when we visited. Have a seat on one of the benches and engage in a bit of contemplation of your place in this amazing universe – don’t miss the chance to do that while you are here.
As we left the trail, we noticed this alligator lounging in the pond in front of the Miccosuckee Village building. It looks that that gator is confident of its place in the great scheme of things!
Heading from Naples toward Everglades City, you’ll see the very large sign for Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk on the right side of the road, but the Boardwalk is on the left. You can park near the sign, but if you do you will need to cross a very busy road. Proceed with caution! You may also park on the side of the road where the Boardwalk trail begins, but be careful not to block the Miccosukee Village areas. We were excited to see that there are plans to expand this site to upgrade the Boardwalk and include more paths and trails. It’s something I’m looking forward to seeing when I return to Collier County.