In the entire continental United States, only South Florida can lay claim to truly tropical habitats with native tropical plants. Rare ghost orchids grow in the humid depths of the Big Cypress, a region of vast prairies, haunting cypress strands, and deep sloughs filled with alligator flag. From its traditional start at Lake Okeechobee, the world's only Everglades sweep southward. North of Lake Okeechobee lie the remnants of ancient sand dunes forming high and dry scrub habitats, while along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coastlines the freshwater marshes of the interior meet the mangrove swamps of the barrier islands. In the Florida Keys, jungles of Caribbean plants top fossilized coral reefs surrounded by still aquamarine waters.This guide to a fascinating region contains a mix of easy nature trails, beach walks, and short interpretive boardwalks, as well as challenging day hikes and backpacking trips. The hikes range in length from 1 to 20 miles; each hike description includes mile-by-mile directions, a topographic map, and information on hiking time, mileage, and trail conditions.
