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 Reporter |
Summary: This 2,200-acre site acts a natural corridor for wildlife by connecting northern Lee County to Estero Bay. There is a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail, a photo blind, two observation platforms, and an informative pamphlet. Five distinct plant communities, including cypress swamp, are present on this site. Guided tours are offered. In addition, the preserve contains a picnic area and an amphitheater. Watchable wildlife: Look for little blue herons, anhingas, American alligators, raccoons, and red-shouldered hawks throughout the year. River otters, bobcats, and white-tailed deer are sometimes seen. During the dry season (October-May), water pools in depressions in the slough, concentrating fish and wading birds feeding on them, including wood storks, white ibis, great egrets, snowy egrets, and tricolored-colored herons. October and April are good times to visit the preserve to search for migrating warblers. Trailhead: Directions: From I-75 take exit #136 (Colonial Boulevard) to Penzance Road. or From U.S. 41, take Colonial Blvd. east to Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Turn right on Six Mile Cypress and travel approximately 1-1/2 miles to the preserve entrance on the left. Ownership: Lee County South Florida Water Management District Audubon of Florida Great Websites: List of all Organisms in the Preserve http://webworld.freac.fsu.edu/eco/animals.php?origin=sixmile (Lat:26.57257 Lon:-81.82497) Trail Guides for Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Loop: FLORIDA- OFF THE BEATEN PATH A GUIDE TO UNIQUE PLACES by Diane and Bill Gleasner (Globe Pequot Press) FLORIDA BIRDS - AN INTRODUCTION TO FAMILIAR SPECIES by James Kavanagh (Waterford Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Contact: (239) 432-2004 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dean Traiger MD, who has posted 3 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by T. E. on 12/24/2007 This park is our favorite. It is beautiful and we always see something new each time we visit. We see alligators, otters, turtles and all different kinds of birds, BUT be careful not to leave any personal items in your car. We were there recently and our vehicle and two others were broken into and purses/bags were stolen. Apparently a regular occurrence (there is construction going on, so I'm not sure if this is the main cause). It is very upsetting when we have visited this park at least 5-6 times a week and were unaware that this was such a problem. 
Reviewed by Brenda - Canada on 1/27/2007 This is our absolute favourite place to go when in Florida. Last year was our first year not going to Florida in 5 years and my teenage sons both said it was the one thing they would miss the most. We are going again in 2 weeks and are so looking forward to coming to the slough. A location is only as interesting as you make it and this is definitely one of the most interesting to discover every time.
Reviewed by lina on 11/19/2006 i went to the slough and saw amazing animals! but beware there are lots of twigs under the water to trip on!
Reviewed by jg on 4/4/2006 i love going their for lunch i work just up the road and its nice to have a place to get out of the office to eat lunch
Reviewed by C Terry on 4/3/2006 Of all the different places I go in SW Florida to observe and photograph birds (and just be out relaxing in nature), The slough is one of my most favorite places to be. Some of my best bird pictures have been taken there, and I like to just go and park myself at one of the ponds for a couple hours at a time. You never know whats going to come along if you wait a while.
Reviewed by Meg on 3/21/2006 My 4 year old son and I love the Slough. We both take a camera and have a great time. I'm so happy they have picnic tables (Nancy look around :). We look foward to going to this park again & again. (I agree no feeding the wildlife at any park)
Reviewed by Lenny on 1/22/2006 I've lived in Ft. Myers since 1991 and feel so blessed to have have found this magical place!!!
Reviewed by nancy on 6/7/2005 We have lived here many years and daily walk the slough. We feel so lucky to have such a place that recently we had an intern here to study "Cell Dog's" She was so excited to see even lizards! The disturbing thing was folks with children treating this like an amusement park, noisy, eating snacks etc. As we were finishing our walk and many photos, the family entering not only acting like they were on a picnic but actually had a loaf of white bread to feed who? Thought with the renovation perhaps some stern signs ? Thanks for your time. Nancy Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Florida Hiking, Florida Trails, Florida Hikes, Lee County Hiking, Lee County Trails, Lee County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||