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Print Friendly MapThe West Main Trail is located in Florida's Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The "strand" is a linear swamp forest, shaped by the flow of water over millennia. The trail passes through a section of the strand's variety of habitats, including bald cypress stands, swamps, and prairies.
Look for some of the orchid (44 natives) and bromeliad species (14 natives) as you walk the trail. You may also spot wildlife such as a rare Florida panther or the more common white-tailed deer. Black bears, eastern indigo snakes, Everglades minks and diamondback terrapins also live here, as do many migrant and resident bird species.
Note that mosquitoes can be plentiful along the trail, so insect repellent as well as pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Also, bring water with you as this is an out-and-back experience with no amenities along the route.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is located on Janes Scenic Drive, just west of Copeland on SR 29.
Continue up Janes Memorial all the way to the end. It's about 6 miles of dirt road. There you can either take the trail to the right or continue on an additional 6 or so miles of Janes that is now closed to traffic. The trail to the right is an old raised railroad bed and is a great cross country ride through the swamp. At the end is a camp site, lake and fire pit. This place is loaded with wildlife including numerous alligators. You need to be aware that they can be anywhere along the trail. Great ride and it can get muddy and wet after heavy rains. Saw 8 alligators last time on that rail. One was actually across the trail itself and didn't want to move. Had to wait it out.
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