This is 2,500 feet long and winds through a beautiful, pristine section of the Fakahatchee Strand swamp and ends at an alligator pond and observation deck. This is a great place for visitors to get an introduction to the preserve and for those that are just looking for a short hike.

East River canoe launch is tucked away down an unmarked dirt drive off U.S. 41, 5 miles west of State Road 29, on the south side of the road. The river is a primarily brackish water and tidal responsive creek that flows southwest to Fakahatchee Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands. It is a beautiful and varied creek, passing through a succession of small lakes and canopied mangrove tunnels before widening into a tidal river. Maps of the river are available at the launch and at the park visitor center.

Jones Grade lakes and trail can be accessed off State Road 29, just south of the Interstate 75 intersection. The lakes are great for fishing, canoeing or kayaking; however, no swimming is allowed. The Jones Grade trail crosses through the strand swamp and connects to the East Main tram, Pennington Post trail and the Florida trail.

Janes Memorial Scenic Drive is the main access point to the majority of hiking and biking trails in the park. Janes is a 6-mile dirt road that be accessed from State Road 29. Visitors can hike or bike at numbered gates along the drive or an additional 4.5 miles of Janes that is closed to vehicle traffic and extends to the park’s border with Picayune Strand State Forest.