United States Cypress Swamp Trail, Highlands Hammock SP

10 images 1 contributors Shoot with care

Wayne Foote

Airplants live on trees but are not parasitic. They take their nutrients and water from the air. The State of Florida declared this Cardinal Airplant to be an endangered species in Florida. The photo is taken from a narrow catwalk over a stream. The plant is well out of reach of even the most curious tourist. Framing was difficult given the narrow area of movement and a 300 mm prime lens.

Airplants live on trees but are not parasitic. They take their nutrients and water from the air. The State of Florida declared this Cardinal Airplant to be an endangered species in Florida. The photo is taken from a narrow catwalk over a stream. The plant is well out of reach of even the most curious tourist. Framing was difficult given the narrow area of movement and a 300 mm prime lens.

Wayne Foote

300mm1/200sf/4ISO 640
The trees are uncut old growth.

The trees are uncut old growth.

Wayne Foote

26mm1/200sf/6ISO 640
Marker explaining the swamp walkways.

Marker explaining the swamp walkways.

Wayne Foote

70mm1/60sf/6ISO 200
The alligators are real and they bite. Do not feed them. Feeding the wildlife teaches the animals approach people for food. Alligators that approach people in parks are relocated or destroyed.

The alligators are real and they bite. Do not feed them. Feeding the wildlife teaches the animals approach people for food. Alligators that approach people in parks are relocated or destroyed.

Wayne Foote

44mm1/80sf/6ISO 200
Part of the modern boardwalk. I processed in B&W to reduce some of the chaos.

Part of the modern boardwalk. I processed in B&W to reduce some of the chaos.

Wayne Foote

28mm1/200sf/6ISO 200
White ibis near the modern boardwalk.

White ibis near the modern boardwalk.

Wayne Foote

70mm1/160sf/6ISO 200
Cypress trees and the old catwalk along Charlie Bowlegs Creek. Taken from the old catwalk

Cypress trees and the old catwalk along Charlie Bowlegs Creek. Taken from the old catwalk

Wayne Foote

24mm1/400sf/6ISO 200
Fern covered Live Oak taken just before returning to the parking area from the trail end.

Fern covered Live Oak taken just before returning to the parking area from the trail end.

Wayne Foote

28mm1/500sf/6ISO 400
Catwalk. The catwalk and boardwalk help add order to the chaos.

Catwalk. The catwalk and boardwalk help add order to the chaos.

Wayne Foote

70mm1/250sf/6ISO 400
Water levels are higher in the fall which is the end of the rainy season.

Water levels are higher in the fall which is the end of the rainy season.

Wayne Foote

30mm1/2000sf/6ISO 400
Shoot with care
This is Florida in the wild. The swamp holds alligators, venomous snakes and biting insects. Do not put your hands and feet where you cannot see what is there. Leave the wildlife alone. Bring insect repellent.
About this spot
Highlands Hammock State Park's Cypress Swamp Trail is a .5 mi/.8 km level trail through a Florida cypress swamp. Most of the trail is on a boardwalk several feet above the swamp. Approximately the first 1/3 of this trail is wheelchair accessible on the modern boardwalk. The narrower single rail catwalk was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930's. The catwalk is not wheelchair accessible. A CCC museum is located near the ranger station at the park entrance.

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Essential Information

Web links

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/highlands-hammock-state-park

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