description Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Overview
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a protected wetland managed by the National Audubon Society in southwestern Florida. It preserves an important old-growth bald cypress forest together with pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh, and pond habitats used by alligators, otters, wading birds, and numerous plant species. A raised boardwalk provides public access for wildlife observation, photography, education, and the study of South Florida's wetland ecology.
insights Ranking position
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary ranks #13 of 108 in the Swamp ranking, behind Tonle Sap, ahead of Cuvette Centrale.
help Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary FAQ
How long is the boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary?
Audubon's principal boardwalk forms a 2.25-mile route through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh, and old-growth bald cypress. It lets visitors enter the wetland without hiking through standing water.
What makes Corkscrew's bald cypress forest special?
The sanctuary protects the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Conservationists began securing the site in 1954 after plume hunters, loggers, and wetland loss had transformed much of southern Florida.
Can you see ghost orchids at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary?
Corkscrew supports the rare ghost orchid, including a celebrated plant visible from the boardwalk when conditions and flowering align. Blooming is unpredictable, so visitors should not assume an orchid will be in flower on a particular day.
Is Corkscrew Swamp part of the National Park Service?
No. It is owned and managed by the National Audubon Society and serves as a protected gateway to the Western Everglades ecosystem. This differs from nearby Big Cypress National Preserve, which is managed by the National Park Service.
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