Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve — Attraction in Fort Myers

A staffer named Adrienne Martin of this preserve blocked me from entering this public property. When I entered the parking lot, I parked in the handicap space, lowered the windows of my Rv van so that my 2 pugs could receive fresh air and I also left the fan running for them. When I exited the van, they barked, but soon after as usual they go to sleep and wait for my return. As I tried to enter the preserve, Adrienne Martin asked me if those were my dogs? I said yes. She said I could not enter the preserve and that I should go to a dog park to walk my dogs. I said, I wasn’t there to walk my dogs. I wanted to enter for a little while and then I would leave. I was only in Ft Myers for the day. Very nasty she said, I couldn’t leave my dogs in my van on this property and that this is posted on their website. She also said, that other people would see my dogs in my van and think that the preserve was allowing dogs. I have visited hundreds of preserves, parks etc and I have never encountered such a nasty, confrontational person as this one. I only wish I could have recorded this encounter. Their website only says dogs are not allowed. This staffer name is Adrienne Martin. What a hostile nasty aggressive confrontational individual. If these are the kind of people employed by the preserve, try to avoid them if you can. My dogs never stepped outside the van and Adrienne Martin could clearly see my handicap. That’s why I was there early to avoid the heat of the day. Very disappointed that the preserve has such a militant employee blocking a handicap...

11/1/23 update Went today for a nice walk on a beautiful morning. Saw a pileated woodpecker and heard an Eastern Phoebe and a blue-gray gnatcatcher. Saw a yellow crown night heron and a gator hanging out in one of the ponds. Beautiful preserve to walk and enjoy nature.

03/22/21 update

Went today to walk on such a beautiful March afternoon. It was pretty busy today, but so cool to see how different the Slough looks since its been so dry. Saw several snakes, limpkins, egrets, a large soft shell turtle, several small turtles sunning themselves and heard plenty of cardinals singing. Walked a few times around the loop for about 3 miles. Flowers were beautiful, the cypress trees are getting leaves back and just an overall beautiful day in nature. Love walking this place, just be aware it's busy with tourists this time of the year. Definitely worth checking out.

Wonderful day out in nature. Met mom to do some exercise at Six Mile Slough. Not too busy for a Monday which was great. A little warm but a nice breeze going through cypress trees. Walked about 3 miles around boardwalk. Saw turtles sunning on logs, a ribbon snake on boardwalk, an ibis, and cormorant. Thought it was one way still but people walking both ways now. Wonderful area in town to enjoy nature, just hate that you can hear road noise, but still pretty. Great place to walk for exercise, will definitely go back...

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...