This is a better than average state park, but it's not your typical park. No beaches or picnic tables or play areas for the kids. Basically the park is a wildlife refuge. What you get out of it depends on what you put in. The park has a long drive through swamp area that is full of wildlife. If you are patient and drive slowly and keep your eyes open there is lots to see. Today I found a mother alligator with 5 little ones. I spotted 2 dear, lots of turtles, Ibises Egrets and alligators. It's definitely is worth the trip, and it only costs $3.

Biggest scam ever. Worst park in Florida total scam advertising looks nothing like it. No gators or wildlife. Trees and mosquitoes that’s it. Go anywhere else don’t fall for the fake reviews trust me. Look at this observation deck it’s all to to you to the gift shop. Fake fake fake reviews

Gorgeous and so much fun to hike! (And bike, or so we're told) We highly recommend this park! We were told by the very friendly and welcoming staff that this is the largest linear state park and the visitors center had some very cool and unique items to look at. There are several different areas to hike and there are some really cool sights to be had. The Fakahatchee Inn was a really cool little cabin within the park that had a boardwalk behind and from where you could see alligators and birds enjoying the water.

Multiple entrances. Nice boardwalk somewhat hidden off of US 41. Janes Scenic drive beautiful and very similar to Everglades national park. Many hiking trails throughout the park.

Saw two gators by the side of the gravel road. One huge bear. You have to drive at least five miles into the gravel road to see gators or bears.

Beautiful place! Visitor center has water bottle fill up and bathrooms. Even the drive through is beautiful.

The first trail on the left was clear until I came up on a large mud puddle. Would of kept going but wasn't wearing the right shoes. On the way back to the car a gator blocked the path. Took over a minute to get him to move. Beautiful day out and much to enjoy

Such a beautiful park. I always heard about it and I’m not sure why I took so long to visit. I went in September so it was very lush and green. I saw a few deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and gators. I was hoping to see bears and Florida panthers but I guess I wasn’t lucky. I plan to visit again during the dry season. I highly recommend biking or walking the trails at the end of the 7 mile drive. Raw, pure Florida at its best.

The park is great. There are plenty of places to park and to explore. There was a drink machine and Rangers around. The bathrooms are clean and well serviced. Several large lakes and some small ponds. All with fish. Then off course there are the canals which have fish and alligators, but so many fish. Don't forget to get gas before you head down that way. Well worth the trip though, beautiful and relaxing.

This is a wonderful place to come hiking and see wildlife, native plants and just disconnect. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to get outdoors.

It's really worth the 2-mile walk up the East Tram Trail to the cabin and pond. The walk takes you through royal palms and dense vegetation with plenty of shade. Note: We did this in dry season.

I've visited this park a few times now and so far each time got to see alligators! My first visit I photographed various birds such as the hawk, owls, and herons; snakes, lizards/anoles, and even vultures. We made sure to donate at the office each time before entering the park. Please don't forget to donate! There's no maximum donation restriction, so donate what you feel is appropriate.

Beautiful and easy hike. Make sure you take water and comfortable shoes. Lots of wild life to see.

If you want to get a taste of what southwest Florida looked like prior to all the development, Fakahatchee is the place to go. You can drive roughly 6 miles on Jane’s Scenic Drive to a grassy parking area. There is amazing wildlife there though the animals and birds aren’t easy to spot given the dense swamp/forest on both sides of the road. I personally have seen Everglades mink, deer, gators, red shouldered hawks and one baby cottonmouth swimming in a pool off to the side. Florida panthers have been seen there but I’ve not been so lucky as to spot one (yet!). If you’re interested in wildlife, best to go early, right when they open or just before dusk. The dirt road can be rutted so have in mind that it’s a slow bumpy drive. It’s also a great spot for gravel biking and running. From the parking area at the end of the drive you can either continue straight past the gate for another five miles to an adjacent park or take the path to the right which will lead you to the Fakahatchee “Hilton”, situated on a small lake crammed full of gators. There is a nice dock from which to see them. It’s roughly 2.5 miles to get there. The trail continues but that’s as far as I’ve gone. Be aware that gators may be found sunning themselves on the trail!

Truly an amazing and wild piece of Florida. To get the most out of the experience step off the trail and get into the waters!

This is a great place to see the beauty and wilderness. We Saw a panther, some gators n egrets and there are several hiking n biking trails.

We drove the 6 miles to hike the East Main Tram Trail. The road is rough, we did less than 10 mph so it took almost an hour to get out there. The hike is 2 miles to the cabin (private property), but a nice hike. At the cabin the trail splits, to the left there were a ton of big alligators sun bathing which was cool to see.

A ride deep into the Everglades. Be mindful that the dirt roads are narrow and not marked, once you leave the administrative area near the entrance. The wilderness road is best suited for SUV's and trucks. Great opportunity for wildlife photography.

If you enjoy hiking and nature this is a great place to visit! This preserve is ginormous! I only walked a third of the place but I definitely will be back in the dry season when there is less water and it is cooler out. It is beautiful out there untouched by man. There is plenty of wildlife to see! I ran into a couple of deers and gators!

Lots to see and explore. I'm looking forward to coming back. Next time with bug spray.

Love it. It is so beautiful! Very peaceful and sharmin. This park has a museum. Water park, beautiful walking bridge, picnic area, playground. Good place to spend a day with the whole family.