Cypress Lake is located in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes watershed, just north of the Gardner-Cobb Marsh. Accessible only by boat or airboat, Gardner-Cobb Marsh is the largest District property in the Upper Chain of Lakes region.

Take in the pine flatwoods, swamps and wet prairie, where you can view wildflowers in the fall and spring. Rest in a shady oak hammock, explore the vast marsh on your airboat, or set up camp at a primitive campsite after you park your boat along the sandy shoreline. Hiking is best during the dry season.

The Gardner-Cobb Marsh is located in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes watershed between Cypress Lake, Lake Hatchineha and Lake Kissimmee. Accessible only by boat or airboat, Gardner-Cobb Marsh is the largest District property in the Upper Chain of Lakes region.

Take in the pine flatwoods, swamps and wet prairie, where you can view wildflowers in the fall and spring. Rest in a shady oak hammock, explore the vast marsh on your airboat, or set up camp at a primitive campsite after you park your boat along the sandy shoreline. Hiking is best during the dry season.

The Rocky Glades area provide access to the L-31 Canal levees. From the levee, you can access flow ways available for small game and duck hunting managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The 100-acre, FWC-managed, Frog Pond Dove Field is the only one of its kind in southeastern Florida and is available for seasonal quota hunting. A boat ramp located on the north side of Ingraham Highway can be used for kayak/canoe access into the L-31 Canal.

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands extends from Culter Bay to the North Homestead area and provides access to five recreation sites. This includes new facilities opening in 2025/2026 along the constructed Cutler Bay flow way and the C-102 Canal. Starting on the north end of this expansive region, the locally coined ‘Coastal Ridge Preserve’ is a hidden gem. Stroll along a short shell path and admire the restored uplands. Moving south, an overlook at the Cutler Bay flow way will provide opportunity to observe local birds in the adjacent wetland areas.

Located in Collier County, Green Heart of the Everglades offers some of the most unique landscapes in South Florida. The upland habitat is home to the endangered Florida panther and the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel.

Travel south and you will transition to coastal marshes and a maze of mangrove swamps rich with Gladesman culture and diverse wildlife.

Find your tranquility by paddling among the mangroves or hiking through the cypress forests. Recreational opportunities also include world-renowned fishing and seasonal hunting.

This area located just south of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge provides opportunities for hikers and bicyclists to view wildlife along miles of trails. Recreational freshwater fishing for bass, gar, catfish, and exotic species like clown knifefish in man-made lakes and canals attracts anglers to this area.

You may see deer, bobcats, alligators, native butterflies and snakes across the upland and wetland habitat. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy watching a variety of wading birds foraging in wetlands and raptors hunting over the marshes.

Located in Okeechobee County, the Nubbin Slough Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) cleans water going into Lake Okeechobee, which ultimately leads to a healthier Everglades.

The area includes many recreational opportunities. With more than seven miles of levees, this is the perfect place to access a hiking trail, go bicycling, fishing and see wildlife such as Florida sandhill cranes, snapping turtles, American bald eagles, and eastern meadowlarks.

Located in western Martin County, the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) plays a crucial role in the restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed by improving the quality of water flowing into the lake.

Lakeside Ranch STA is open to the public to enjoy hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing or simply relaxing. The recreation area is surrounded by levees that are accessible to visitors on foot or on bicycle.

For more information, please call the District Recreation Hotline at 866-433-6312 or email recreation@sfwmd.gov.

Chandler Slough is a beautiful tract of cypress swamp, oak and cabbage palm hammocks and marsh habitats. This is a great spot to watch wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl, and hikers can also access the Florida National Scenic Trail which runs through the property.

To the south, overhanging oak limbs frame a view of the Old Kissimmee River as it winds its way between Telex and Yates marshes. You can also visit Seaboard Marsh to the north by boat. Watch for bluegill beds in the spring and summer in the shallows of the riverside.