Steve and I recently drove on Jane’s Scenic Drive and we were . . . well, I guess conflicted is the right word. Jane’s Scenic Drive is in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The Fakahatchee is home to so many plants and animals found only in the continental US that I’m not even going to attempt to list them. The Ghost Orchid is probably only behind the Florida Panther as the best-known Strand resident.
Last Year’s Visit
Last year, my hiking and camping buddy Judy and I stumbled upon Jane’s. We were stunned by the beauty of the swamp. We saw so many alligators, birds, and birdwatchers! Although the Drive is for cars, there is not shortage of hiking on side trails called “trams.” We hiked on the East Tram for a short bit, but after being startled by what sounded like a very large gator splashing into the swamp, we headed back to the car. Had we been prepared for the experience, we would have hiked further, and the Trams are high on my “to-hike” list.
Nicely Renovated for Human Convenience
The trail has been renovated, which is great for automobile suspensions, and it was pleasant to drive the trail without having to dodge neither potholes nor alligators. But dodging alligators is kind of the very point of Jane’s Scenic Trail! Steve and I think the renovation has increased traffic to the point that the alligators are no longer as comfortable stretching out along — or ON — the trail.
No matter. You will still want to drive slowly so that you can experience the swamp and cypress forest fully. There are so many gorgeous ferns and epiphytes here! If you do not see a single bird or alligator, well, you will still be flabbergasted by the variety of plant life.
In spite of the road improvement, we spied three good-sized gators who were completely unconcerned about me hanging out through the sunroof to take pictures.
I highly recommend Jane’s Scenic Drive to anyone who wants to see a beautiful cypress strand. From the comfort of your car, you will not need to worry about whether your children are tormenting gators or falling into canals or any other other things that very young people are likely to do.
A Few Tips
Travel early in the morning. Carry water and bug repellent if you plan to hike or bike along any of the trams. Being hot in a swamp is not pleasant and mosquitoes will find you. During our trip, access to the Picayune State Forest from Jane’s was closed. At other times, you can access many trails from the trams at Jane’s. Check with rangers to be sure before you head out to connect to another trail.
You’ll encounter a ranger/pay station at the entry to the drive. Don’t stiff the State Park service for the entry fee! It’s reasonable and keeps areas like this accessible to all of us. In fact, just spring for an annual State Park Pass. It’s a great investment in your enjoyment of what Florida has to offer.