Sometimes a happy accident can become a main event, and this is what Judy and I experienced when we were trying to find Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Google Maps gave us a route through Collier County, and had I looked closer I might have figured out what was going on, but since I didn’t, what came after we turned off of State Road 29 was a lovely surprise.
We had turned onto Jane’s Scenic Drive, and after passing a skunk ape sign we entered Fakahatchee Strand in a wet prairie habitat. We passed an office building (it turned out to be the Preserve offices) but were so entranced by the mystery of the road, which was now dirt/gravel/mud that we paid it no attention and kept moving forward. Soon we were well into the swamp, and surrounded by ferns and epiphytes. What words can describe it? Beautiful, primeval, haunting . . . you simply must see it with your own eyes. The road was so full of potholes and mud that we had to take the trip VERY slowly, and I would never attempt this trip during the rainy season. I imagine it would not take much to get stuck, and the area is so remote that help might take a long time to arrive – if the road remains passable.
Be careful! Ditches, culverts and GATORS!
The road is lined with ditches that were dug to create the railroad bed that is now the Scenic Drive. Culverts run under the road at several points, showing moving water that is surprisingly clear, indicating that the massive filtration that is the Everglades really works. While the rough nature of the road is a good reason to proceed slowly, there are also VERY large alligators basking between the road and the ditch — you wouldn’t want to run over one of these, so take your time and watch the road, the trees, the sky, and the ditch banks. There is plenty to see here!
Trams
You’ll notice a few areas where there are small areas to pull off the road. Usually there are gates here. These areas are known as “trams” and used to be used by loggers to reach the largest of the cypress. Some of them provide good hiking, but make sure you have not parked in a way that will block the gate. Research teams sometimes need to access the gates, and emergency workers may also need access if you get stuck or hurt exploring!
At the end of Jane’s Scenic Drive, there are two different trails you may hike. We chose Gate 12 and the East Trail. We passed this little guy in the water to our left, but after we heard a very large gator bellow and submerge (we never saw it), we decided that perhaps lunch would be a good idea. Since lunch was in the car, we turned around and headed back.
The experience of Jane’s Scenic Trail was wonderful. I am so glad we found this place and were not scared off by the potholes and craters on the road. Next time I go, I’ll hike farther down the East Trail to see one of the largest stands of Royal Palm in the Everglades and a private residence known as the Fakahatchee Hilton.
Should you decide to go, make sure to stop at the office building mentioned above…it is the Ranger Station. There is interpretive signage there that may help you plan your drive. There is also an “iron ranger” where you may pay your entry fee if you do not have an annual pass. Notice the restrooms that are available there – if you don’t need them on the way in, you may need them on the way out.