corkscrew swamp path
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located approximately 20 miles from Naples via Immokalee Road. The Sanctuary occupies approximately 13,000 acres in the heart of the Corkscrew Watershed, part of the Western Everglades. It is primarily composed of wetlands. These include the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in the world (approximately 700 acres), which is the site of the largest nesting colony of Federally Endangered Wood Storks in the nation.
Visitors to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary find a pristine wilderness that dates back more than 500 years. A 2.25 mile boardwalk meanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and have a girth of 25 feet. Their massive branches are draped with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns.
The forest is also home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, raptors and the fabulous Painted Bunting can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail.
Corkscrew is an ideal outdoor classroom and the staff offer a full calendar of active environmental education programs for the public that promotes the importance of wetlands around the world. Check the web site for details on educational programs.
Children of all ages will enjoy the sanctuary. The boardwalk is easy to walk and is stroller-friendly.
A nature store on site has a variety of fun souvenirs as well as cold drinks. Corkscrew Sanctuary is open daily from 7-5:30. Admission for adults is $12, children under are free.
For more information:
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary & Blair Audubon Center
375 Sanctuary Road West
Naples, FL 34120
Phone: 239-348-9151