Snake Road at I75
Broward/Hendry Counties
Broward/Hendry Counties
Overview This is Florida's hinterlands. No beaches. No condo canyons, no strip malls. Open land and a lot of it. Snake Road is the last exit in Broward County traveling west on Interstate 75. It's unique in our compendium of places to go because it really isn't a singular destination. Rather, it's a lengthy stretch of road that offers sightings of some rare birds, like the crested caracara shown above, and more than a few alligators, some extremely large. Throw into the natural mix some history and culture as well.
What You'll See: Snake Road is bordered on both sides by wetlands, cypress swamps, cattle ranches and rock mining operations. There are canals along each side of the road, which are teeming with birds, turtles and alligators. It passes through both the Miccosukee and Big Cypress Seminole reservations and ultimately through the village of Big Cypress. Great egrets, cattle egrets, wood storks, anhingas, cormorants, little blue and great blue herons were common along the length. Also spotted: northern mockingbirds, a red-shouldered hawk, belted kingfishers, ospreys and black-crowned night herons. And, the jewel of the trip, the crested caracara. If you're lucky, you might spot a Virginia rail or king rail. Unfortunately, we did not.
There are places to pull over safely off the road. And try to take time to visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ti Museum and other attractions on the Big Cypress Reservation.
Amenities:There is a truck stop at the I75 exit where food, restrooms and fuel is available.
Nearby: Big Cypress National Preserve is to west and can be accessed at rest stops on both sides of I75. The Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area lies two miles to the east. Also to the east is the Harold A. Campbell Public Use Area, which can be accessed via U.S. 27. In the neighborhood: Holey Lands Wildlife Management Area and the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
Of Note: Keep in mind that this is birding by car and requires a sharp eye with a focus on safety and courtesy first. You're not only looking for wildlife but what's on the road in front of you and what's coming up behind you. There are places to pull over safely off the road. The speed limit is 45 mph for most of the length but lowers to 30 within the village.
Cover Photo: As noted above, this is a crested caracara. This is why you come to Snake Road, birds like this guy. Second photo, one of the many alligators spotted along the banks of the canals.
What You'll See: Snake Road is bordered on both sides by wetlands, cypress swamps, cattle ranches and rock mining operations. There are canals along each side of the road, which are teeming with birds, turtles and alligators. It passes through both the Miccosukee and Big Cypress Seminole reservations and ultimately through the village of Big Cypress. Great egrets, cattle egrets, wood storks, anhingas, cormorants, little blue and great blue herons were common along the length. Also spotted: northern mockingbirds, a red-shouldered hawk, belted kingfishers, ospreys and black-crowned night herons. And, the jewel of the trip, the crested caracara. If you're lucky, you might spot a Virginia rail or king rail. Unfortunately, we did not.
There are places to pull over safely off the road. And try to take time to visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ti Museum and other attractions on the Big Cypress Reservation.
Amenities:There is a truck stop at the I75 exit where food, restrooms and fuel is available.
Nearby: Big Cypress National Preserve is to west and can be accessed at rest stops on both sides of I75. The Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area lies two miles to the east. Also to the east is the Harold A. Campbell Public Use Area, which can be accessed via U.S. 27. In the neighborhood: Holey Lands Wildlife Management Area and the Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area.
Of Note: Keep in mind that this is birding by car and requires a sharp eye with a focus on safety and courtesy first. You're not only looking for wildlife but what's on the road in front of you and what's coming up behind you. There are places to pull over safely off the road. The speed limit is 45 mph for most of the length but lowers to 30 within the village.
Cover Photo: As noted above, this is a crested caracara. This is why you come to Snake Road, birds like this guy. Second photo, one of the many alligators spotted along the banks of the canals.
