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Whether your idea of enjoying the great outdoors is fishing for snapper, photographing wildlife on a nature hike or paddling through a labyrinth of mangrove-sheltered waterways, you'll find your pleasure in this refuge. IN THE KNOW October through April, the outer barrier islands offer a truly unique experience for experienced campers wanting to sleep under the stars. or just observing and taking it all in, you'll get your fill at Big Cypress. IN THE KNOW Check the schedule of free talks and tours to get the most out of your visit. Outings like the Wet & Wild Walk or Canoe Rendezvous get you in touch with your surroundings on a whole new level. DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK A mile-long stretch of white sugar sand greets you at the end of your boardwalk journey through the coastal hammock. This barrier island escape also features an observation tower for wildlife spotters, a natural hard-bottom reef for snorkeling enthusiasts and a boat launch for avid anglers. IN THE KNOW Make friends with the dolphins as you navigate Water Turkey Bay atop a paddleboard. Or meet them as you traverse a mangrove trail, duck under bridges and head through Wiggins Pass straight into the Gulf aboard a kayak or canoe. Rentals and other concessions are conveniently on-site. EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK For campers, birders, cyclers, paddlers and hikers alike, no visit to Southwest Florida is complete without at least one full day of exploration of the astonishing variety of ecosystems, plant life and animal species of the Everglades. Dubbed the "River of Grass" by naturalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, these wetlands make up the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. IN THE KNOW The Gulf Coast entrance in Everglades City leads to the saltwater portion of the park. Take a sightseeing boat tour or schedule a fishing charter or kayak ecotour with a private guide. If you're driving to Miami, be sure to visit the Shark Valley entrance on Tamiami Trail. FAKAHATCHEE STRAND PRESERVE STATE PARK Board the comfortable Ghost Rider tram for two and a half hours of touring, learning and exploring through the Fakahatchee Strand. Be certain to bring your binoculars and a camera — you don't want to miss any of the natural wonder surrounding you in the swamps, prairies and hardwood hammocks. IN THE KNOW As if the meandering Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk didn't give you enough access to the flora and fauna of this "Amazon of North America," guided swamp walks are available for fascinatingly up-close encounters. FLORIDA PANTHER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE This refuge, located in the heart of the Big Cypress Swamp, aims to provide optimum habitat conditions for the Florida panther, one of the most endangered mammals in the world. Perhaps as many as a dozen of these elusive creatures roam among the cypress, ancient live oaks and slash pines that adorn these 26,000 acres. IN THE KNOW Two trails are open to the public to allow you to enjoy the beauty of these protected lands, home to over 120 bird species. Plan your hike for early morning or late afternoon, which are the best times for wildlife observation. PICAYUNE STRAND STATE FOREST Fortunately for nature fans, the more than 76,000 acres that make up this fourth-largest state forest in Florida was part of the "Save Our Everglades" effort in the 1980s. Lucky, too, are the bald eagles, fox squirrels and swallow-tailed kites who make their home here. IN THE KNOW The Belle Meade Tract offers a pictur- esque 22-mile horseback riding trail included in the Trailtrotter Program. TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 1-800-2-ESCAPE PARADISECOAST.COM NAPLES, MARCO ISLAND AND THE EVERGLADES 25

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