Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Visitors to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary find a 2.25-mile boardwalk that meanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh, and finally into the world's largest (over 700 acres) remaining old-growth Bald Cypress forest. These impressive cypress trees, relatives of the redwood, tower up to 130 feet into the sky and often exceed 20 feet in girth. They are estimated to be at least 700 years old and their massive branches are draped with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns.

The forest is the site of the largest nesting colony of federally endangered wood storks in the nation. It is also home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, raptors, and songbirds including the beautiful painted bunting can be seen. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail.

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