Tall Cypress Natural Area — Attraction in Coral Springs

This park is an absolute hidden gem! I only found it by accident a few years ago during the pandemic and I have been back a few times with family and they all enjoyed it. It’s not visible by the main road, Sample but secluded off to the side on a smaller road. There is a small roundabout in the entrance so be careful driving through the entrance. No gate, no fee. There is a small building for staff and it also houses two public restrooms. The restrooms are slightly rated but always very clean. The parking area is small and can only fit about 10-13 cars but each time that I have gone there weren’t many other visitors. The path is a well constructed red boardwalk with side rails and it appears to be built from recycled plastic boards made to simulate wood texture. The entrance has a sign with rules such as the hours and you aren’t supposed to bring any food or beverages on the path. The path is about 1/2 a mile and along the way you can stop at various signs that describe wildlife and native plant species. According to the map at the front, the path is actually quite small compared to the actual physical size of the park, most of it wetlands and off limits. Stay on the boardwalk. Depending on the season you will see differences in the plants and the wildlife. In the summer wild ferns flourish across the ground and give the appearance that the ground is higher than it actually is. During the winter months the ferns die off and turn brown changing the color scheme. In the spring the rains make the ground very muddy and blackened with decomposing plants. If you look carefully down in the mud you can spot tracks from raccoons and birds. Along the boardwalk, at the farthest points there are beautiful gazebos places for you to rest and watch. They offer gorgeous views of the surrounding scenery. I noticed that the gazebos are well maintained and there were no cobwebs, bugs, or bird nests underneath the gazebo roof. Speaking of cobwebs during the warmer months the foliage will be full of giant banana spiders. The park is clean except for in the mud around the boardwalk you can see where garbage has floated in and become stranded when the water retreated. Overall it’s very clean and quiet. One side you can hear distant traffic from the main road but on the other side the noises are only Nature. There are a lot of vines and also air plants of various types like flaming red bromeliads. There are also towering pine trees covered with pine cones.

I have also run into quite a few people here that are playing Pokémon Go and I’m told it’s a great spot for that.

If you love being surrounded by nature, this park is a wonderful getaway...

This is a natural area of decent size and plenty of tall trees and greenery. The time I went was a little late for photography but I decided to give it a shot anyway. Pun intended.

I saw plenty of dragonflies, butterflies and anoles but in different colors than in used to. I heard a woodpecker in the distance, tiny warblers on high branches and possibly an osprey in the sky. But there was one thing that was pretty exciting. I saw a juvenile red-breasted grosbeak while looking for the woodpecker.

I'd never seen one before and has to look it up.

They are migratory birds. This goes to show you how important having natural areas are. They give birds a place to live and rest away from humnan-caused problems like cats and occasionally dogs that kill them or flying into walls and windows.

Birds have an important role to play such as insect eaters, seed distributors and sometimes pollinators. Thats why we need to keep as many natural areas intact as we can and restore other areas for their benefit and ours.

Being in nature can help with anxiety and focus. We need sun. And natural areas help by generally being safe places...

Today was my first visit to Tall Cypress Natural Area, and it truly is a hidden gem. The park’s design is thoughtfully creative, reminding me of Tree Tops Park, where you walk along bridges elevated above the trees. Although the path is relatively short—covering only about a quarter of the park’s potential—it’s likely designed this way to preserve the surrounding natural environment, which I can appreciate.

The path offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by towering trees and serene quiet. The bridge is well-maintained and feels sturdy and safe, adding to the overall relaxing experience. It’s a great spot for a quick 15-minute walk, but you might want to loop the path a few times if you’re looking for a longer stroll.

There’s a small parking lot, but it’s adequately sized for the number of visitors the park seems to attract. Overall, it’s a beautiful spot to unwind and reconnect...