The Fern Garden
trail is a popular hangout for one of the largest gators in the
park (she's commonly refered to as Fern). She can often be spotted
off of the boardwalk enjoying the sunny spots in the swamp
(typically on the East side of the trail). This trail also features
granite stepping stones (on the West side), which during wetter
times of the year can become completely submerged. Fern Garden
connects with the Hickory Hammock trail and the Richard Lieber
trail
In Fern's Garden you'll see a lot
of Alligator Flag (also known as Arrowroot or Fireflag) It grows
quite tall and the individual leaves grow to a full foot in length.
On the other hand, the flowers are pretty small. Only half an inch
wide, the flowers are a beautiful purple and are oddly shaped. The
flowers have seven petals and bloom from June - November. This is a
plant that you will only find south of the Florida
panhandle.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park
with the permission of park management. All locations must be
approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub
(DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park
for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway
within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated
parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days
a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit
2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00
Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle
with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is
available in the park as well.
Highlands
Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations
please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential
Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State
Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on
designated trails.