Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
A 3,500-acre wetland preserve in Fort Myers, FL, featuring a 1.2-mile boardwalk for wildlife viewing and nature immersion.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer bugs
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 3,500-acre wetland preserve in Fort Myers, FL, featuring a 1.2-mile boardwalk for wildlife viewing and nature immersion.
"A hidden gem offering a peaceful escape into nature with abundant wildlife and a beautiful boardwalk."
💧 Bring Water!
A water station is available, but a personal bottle is essential for your walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk is stroller-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardwalk Trail
Main boardwalk loop
A 1.2-mile shaded boardwalk winding through lush cypress wetlands, perfect for wildlife spotting.
Abundant Wildlife
Throughout the preserve
Keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, owls, and a variety of birds.
Welcome Center & Butterfly Garden
Entrance area
Learn about the preserve, grab a trail guide, and enjoy the butterfly garden.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Bugs
Parking and Entry Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Water!
A water station is available, but a personal bottle is essential for your walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk is stroller-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Slow down and be patient; wildlife is abundant if you look closely.
🦋 Explore the Garden
Don't miss the butterfly garden near the parking lot.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Water!
A water station is available, but a personal bottle is essential for your walk.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk is stroller-friendly, but good walking shoes are recommended.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Slow down and be patient; wildlife is abundant if you look closely.
🦋 Explore the Garden
Don't miss the butterfly garden near the parking lot.
🗺️ Grab a Trail Guide
Available at the welcome center to enhance your learning experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve for its serene natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and accessible boardwalk trail, making it a peaceful escape. The free entry and minimal parking fee are also highlighted as significant advantages. While generally well-maintained, some note the boardwalk can be slippery when wet.
"We took a late afternoon walk through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, and it was a great way to connect with nature—even in the Florida heat. Thankfully, there's a convenient water station at the welcome center where you can refill your water bottle or take a good gulp before starting your walk. I definitely recommend bringing your own bottle along!
The welcome center itself is a nice little stop. Inside, there’s a small exhibit to explore and a gift shop that seemed to have lots of fun items, especially for kids. You can also grab a boardwalk trail guide there, which helps you navigate and learn more about the preserve.
Entry is free, but there is a small fee for parking. We opted for the shorter boardwalk loop, though there’s also a longer route for those looking for a bit more adventure. The boardwalk trail takes you through lush cypress wetlands, and you’re surrounded by nature every step of the way. The ponds were full of life—birds, turtles, and other wildlife were easy to spot if you slowed down and looked around.
Despite the warmth, the towering cypress trees provided plenty of shade, making the walk comfortable and relaxing. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for something fun and peaceful to do, I’d absolutely recommend checking out Six Mile Cypress. It’s a hidden gem worth visiting!"
Victoria Swan
"This area is a beautiful and unique experience that the whole family can enjoy. The entire trail is a boardwalk through the preserve with several viewing areas to spot various wildlife. The flora is beautiful and varied, and there are several informational stops to read about the area and environment. Very well shaded if you’re not wanting to walk in the sun. If you have a stroller with you just know that the boardwalk is narrow, but it is definitely doable. The whole place is very well maintained. Highly recommended."
Christopher Enix
"A really nice nature trail that is very inexpensive! You only have to pay for parking which is roughly 1$ per hour. Then you can take the 1.5 mile wooden trail through the woods. There you can see a lot of exciting wildlife like birds, squirrels, turtles and much more. Along the trail are nicely positioned outposts where you can either have a view of a lake or a wildlife hanging spot.
There is a free restroom to use and most of the time there is a guide at the entrance to help you with any questions you might have. All in all a very exciting trail that you should definitely check out."
Marc Meier
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The preserve is located in Fort Myers, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors mention it as a key spot in Fort Myers for nature exploration. +1
While the preserve itself is a natural habitat, specific information regarding dog policies on the trails is not widely available. It's best to check the official preserve website or contact them directly before visiting with pets. However, other Fort Myers parks like Manatee Park and Lakes Park are noted as dog-friendly.
The preserve is located at 7751 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33908. GPS navigation systems will guide you directly to the entrance.
Public transportation options to the preserve are limited. It is generally recommended to travel by car for the most convenient access.
From Fort Myers Beach, it typically takes about 20-30 minutes to drive to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the preserve itself is free. However, there is a parking fee, usually around $1 per hour or a daily rate of $5.
The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset, offering ample time for exploration. The interactive center is typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Advance ticket purchase is not necessary as entry is free and parking fees are paid on-site.
There is a parking lot available, and visitors are charged a fee per hour or a daily rate.
Yes, guided walk days are sometimes offered. Information about these can often be found at the welcome center or on their official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail that winds through the cypress wetlands. It's well-maintained, shaded, and considered stroller-friendly.
Visitors frequently report seeing alligators, turtles, various bird species (including owls), and other small mammals.
The boardwalk can become slippery when wet, especially after rain. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution.
Yes, restrooms are available at the welcome center and at the beginning of the trail.
Absolutely! The preserve offers beautiful natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique wetland landscapes, making it a great spot for photographers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within the preserve. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks.
While there are no designated picnic areas, visitors can enjoy snacks and drinks brought from home. The welcome center has a gift shop with some items.
Numerous dining options are available in the surrounding Fort Myers area, ranging from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
The welcome center has a small gift shop that may offer some snacks, but it's not a full-service cafe.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy during their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire boardwalk offers excellent opportunities, especially areas with clear views of wildlife and the cypress trees. The butterfly garden is also a picturesque spot.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the wetlands.
General photography for personal use is permitted. Professional or commercial photography may require special permits, so it's best to inquire with the preserve management if you have specific needs.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, often referred to as the 'golden hours.' These times also coincide with higher wildlife activity.
Drone usage is typically restricted in natural preserves to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. It's advisable to check the preserve's specific regulations regarding drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The abundance of wildlife like turtles and birds provides constant entertainment and educational opportunities. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more solitary experience. The preserve is also a great spot for photography and quiet contemplation. 📸 Photographers
Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions for capturing stunning shots. Bring a telephoto lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for the scenic vistas. Be patient, as wildlife sightings often require a keen eye. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Boardwalk and Trails
While the boardwalk is generally well-maintained, visitors should be aware that it can become slippery when wet, so caution is advised, especially after rain. Beyond the main boardwalk, the preserve encompasses over 3,500 acres of wetland. While the boardwalk is the most popular and accessible route, the preserve's vastness hints at other potential exploration opportunities, though these are less commonly detailed by visitors. The focus for most day-trippers remains on the well-defined boardwalk, which provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the serene natural beauty.
Wildlife Encounters and Best Viewing Tips
The preserve's wetland environment provides a rich habitat that supports this biodiversity. To maximize your chances of spotting wildlife, it's recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon, as these are typically the most active periods for many animals. Patience is key when observing wildlife. Slowing down your pace on the boardwalk and taking the time to scan the water and surrounding vegetation can reveal hidden creatures.
The Welcome Center and Amenities
Essential amenities are also available. There's a water station for refilling your bottles, which is highly recommended given Florida's climate.
The parking lot itself is often a point of interest, featuring a butterfly garden and a sculptural bird component, adding to the overall visitor experience even before you step onto the main trail. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit