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You don't have to trudge very far to find some great water views in Florida. Aside from the seemingly endless stretches of beaches that hug the coastline, the place is home to more patches of wetlands than just about anywhere else in the country. Sweetwater Wetlands Park, up in the north-central part of the state, is definitely easy on the eyes.
The nature preserve spans more than 125 acres in the southern part of Gainesville and is threaded with marsh-lined trails and scenic boardwalks. The scenery here speaks for itself, with expansive marshes and abundant wildlife creating a peaceful setting. Take it from one visitor, who wrote in a Google review that there are "no words to describe this beautiful property, [it's] so well maintained," adding that travelers should "enjoy the adventure."
Sweetwater Wetlands Park may look all natural, but it's actually man-made. The protected area was created in 2015 as a stormwater treatment facility to purify water from the Sweetwater Branch creek, which begins in Gainesville and winds through the preserve before flowing into the surrounding lands. More than a decade after its founding, the wetlands park is now home to a plethora of unique wildlife. Bring along a pair of binoculars and a camera because you never know what kinds of Florida critters are bound to cross your path.
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Rare and endangered critters at Sweetwater Wetlands Park
All kinds of wildlife are drawn to the lush, water-drenched wilds of Sweetwater Wetlands Park — which is not to be confused with the nature area of the same name in Arizona's dazzling desert city of Tucson. More than 260 types of birds have been spotted in the Florida nature preserve, including rare and iconic species like vermilion flycatchers, white-faced ibises, and least bitterns. You may also get a glimpse of threatened or endangered birds, such as roseate spoonbills and wood storks.
The wetlands park is a haven for larger animals, too, from river otters and round-tailed muskrats to white-tailed deer and even horses. There are also loads of snakes, including venomous varieties like cottonmouths. And if you're on the prowl for some of the best Florida locations to see wild alligators, you've definitely come to the right place. "I have visited many times — always see gators," one parkgoer shared on Tripadvisor.
Needless to say, don't stray off the beaten path and always keep an eye on your little ones. A few other things worth noting: pets aren't allowed in the park. Fishing and riding bicycles are also prohibited throughout the preserve, which is currently open each day from 7 a.m. until sundown. If you plan to pay the entrance fee in cash — which is $5 per vehicle or $2 per person, as of the time of writing — be sure to have exact change handy.
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Sweetwater Wetlands Park
You can do a bit of wildlife watching as you take in the pretty views along one of the preserve's walking paths. Sweetwater Wetlands Park has a few trails to roam, which wind across the marshlands for several miles. The wildlife area is split into three main sections, with a path looping around each one. The Cell 1 Loop covers just over a mile of ground on the west side of the park, the Cell 2 Loop circles almost 2 miles in the middle, and the Cell 3 Loop spans a little over a mile to the east.
The Boardwalk Loop is another scenic feature of the preserve. The mile-long elevated pathway starts out close to the park's entrance and features interpretive signage about the wildlife and plants found in the area. The boardwalk has a couple of sections that extend out into the wetlands for a better vantage point of the scenery. There are also covered viewing platforms along the wooden walkway, so you can take a break from the sun. That said, there aren't a lot of shaded areas along the trails, so dress for the elements and wear sunscreen.
Guided walking tours are available at 9 a.m. sharp on the last Saturday of each month between September and May. If you need a more accessible option, you can go online and register for a tram tour of the wetlands, which are held at select times throughout the year. The park is 1.5 hours away from Jacksonville and under two hours from Tampa by car, both of which have numerous lodging options. You can also find more rugged trails to explore at Florida's overlooked Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which is adjacent to Sweetwater Wetlands Park.
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Read the original article on Islands.
