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Nature reserve · Fort Myers, Florida
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Lee County reserve with a wooden boardwalk of about 2 km across a cypress swamp, ponds and wet forest, home to waterbirds, turtles and alligators.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
A slough is a wide, shallow channel of slow-moving water that crosses the flat land of south Florida. The Six Mile Cypress Slough runs for about 15 km southeast of Fort Myers and carries rainwater to the estuary. The preserve protects a stretch of this channel, with cypresses, red maples and aquatic plants.
A wooden boardwalk of about 2 km crosses the swamp and passes ponds with viewing platforms. It’s common to see herons, ibises, wood storks, ducks, turtles and alligators, and between late winter and spring there are flowers and bromeliads in the trees.
Water levels change a lot: in summer, the rainy season, the swamp fills; in winter and spring the ponds shrink and animals concentrate there, making them easier to observe. There is a visitor center with exhibits about the ecosystem.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About an hour and a half for the full boardwalk.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, when animals tend to be more active. In winter and spring, with lower ponds, wildlife viewing is easier.
How to get there
On Penzance Boulevard, near Six Mile Cypress Parkway, about 12 km southeast of downtown Fort Myers. There is paid parking on site.
Tip
Walk slowly and quietly and bring insect repellent; keep your distance from alligators.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
What can you see at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve?
A cypress swamp with ponds, herons, ibises, turtles and alligators, crossed by a wooden boardwalk of about 2 km.
How long does the Six Mile Cypress Slough boardwalk take?
About an hour and a half, with stops at the viewing platforms.
Where is Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve located?
About 12 km southeast of downtown Fort Myers.