7 Nature & Parks in Ochopee That You Shouldn't Miss

March 11, 2022 Toi Mattera

Ochopee is an unincorporated community in Collier County, Florida, United States. It is located to the east of the intersection of US 41 and State Road 29, near Carnestown. The community is part of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Ochopee

1. Big Cypress National Preserve

33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-1000 +1 239-695-2000 http://www.nps.gov/bicy
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

Big Cypress National Preserve

Land of biological diversity, measuring 729,000 acres, combines a mix of pines, hardwoods, prairies and mangrove forests along with a variety of wildlife including White-tailed deer and Florida panther.

Reviewed By allthegirls2014 - Naples, United States

Just before the rainy season started, I went to check out the Preserve, specifically to drive on the Loop Road, before it became too wet. It was a fabulous afternoon. I stopped to chat with the ranger at the Welcome Center just east of Carniestown for tips and great maps. (It's important to have paper maps, as there is limited cell service within the Preserve) and asked where the gators were hanging out. I continued east on 41, stopped at the Kirby Storter Roadside Park for a nice boardwalk (herons, egrets, turtles) and then moved on to Loop road. The road is not paved except at the far northeastern end. But the drive was amazing. Alligators were everywhere, visible from the car (or you could sneak out to snap a pictures). Lots of birds: egrets, hawks, roseate spoonbills, herons. You can just pull over if you see something interesting. I was driving my sedan, but it would have been better in a taller vehicle. And afterwards, I did have to wash my car, as it definitely looked like I had been off-roading. Kept my phone charged and brought water and snacks. Wonderful drive, fabulous pictures. Highly recommend.

2. Loop Road

Big Cypress National Preserve Ochopee, Ochopee, FL 34141-2083 +1 239-695-1201 http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/scenic-drives.htm
Excellent
67%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 448 reviews

Loop Road

Reviewed By mdgipsy - Baltimore, United States

This was just spectacular. Take your time, take drinks and snacks. Alligators along side the road, lots of birds, even a snake crossing.

3. H.P. Williams Roadside Park

33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-1000 +1 239-695-2000 http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/hp-williams-roadside-park.htm
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 125 reviews

H.P. Williams Roadside Park

Reviewed By afrantz5 - Cape Coral, United States

The park is small but my favorite pull off on Route 41, plenty of gators, birds, and nature. Great restroom break if your driving between Miami and Naples..Place is clean, picnic tables, and has small boardwalk

4. Kirby Storter Roadside Park

48900 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-2077 +1 239-695-2000 http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/kirby-storter-roadside-park.htm
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

Kirby Storter Roadside Park

Reviewed By allthegirls2014 - Naples, United States

Nice short boardwalk, really well maintained. There were likely alligators at the end, but I didn't spot one. Saw an absolutely stunning great blue heron and lots of turtles. Easy, easy walk for all ages. Maybe children won't love it as it's not enough bang for your buck. Much more likely to see alligators other places. It is a nice place to see the cypresses get larger. At the beginning (top) of the boardwalk the bald cypresses are underfed (soil is less nutritious), so they are much shorter, but as you move down in elevation (imperceptibly), the trees grow much taller.

5. Skunk Ape Research Center

40904 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-2004 +1 239-695-2275 http://www.skunkape.info
Excellent
52%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 215 reviews

Skunk Ape Research Center

Reviewed By Really2221 - Naples, United States

One of the best quick places to visit in the Everglades! Fun animal statues and an live animal exhibit in the back of the store BE SURE TO ASK about this or you might miss it! Snakes, Gators, turtles, tortoises, parrots and other exotic birds. Looking into the eyes of the largest python you've ever seen is worth the price of admission.

6. Turner River Road

6 miles East of the intersection of Florida State Road 29 and US Highway 41, Ochopee, FL 34141 +1 239-695-2000 http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/scenic-drives.htm
Excellent
43%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
7%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 28 reviews

Turner River Road

Reviewed By scotttimkim - Leola, United States

Tons of birds if you drive slow enough to look. Very dusty road from those going past you fast. Lots to see and the boardwalk at the beginning was nice to stop at.

7. Nature Trail Tree Snail

68 Loop Rd Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141
Excellent
0%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
50%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 2 reviews

Nature Trail Tree Snail

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.