**NOTE, UNDERBRUSH ON THE ISLAND IS VERY THICK AND HARD TO
GET THROUGH**
The book Day PaddlingFlorida's 10,000 islands and Big Cypress
Swamp by Jeff Ripple is an invaluble tool. Kayak or canoe requires
at the minimum 6 hours depending on route, tides and winds. (it
took us 8+) Choose your route and study the tides and winds before
attempting this by paddling! The route we chose was the East River
trail, complete with mangrove tunnels, spiders, lots of downed
trees/branches and did I mention spiders? Bug gear is a must when
the weather starts to warm up!! Fakahatchee Island is whats left of
a Calusa Shell Mound dating back thousands(?) of years. It was
inhabited up until the mid 1960's. It even had a school with 13
pupils in 1912. There are many things to see on the island,
including a cistern on the NE side, which when you climb up the
mound about 8 ft or so gives you a good view of the bay looking
north. The occasional boat is all that breaks up the natural sounds
and sights out here. Landing point is here N25°52.122' W81°29.182'
which is what looks to be a campsite area. Once landing at the
campsite on the east side, you are presented with many trails
leading off into the island, if you choose the right one, it will
lead you to the islands cemetary. Please do not disturb the area
even though it is in a rundown state. It is fascinating to see that
people lived and died on this island, it had to be a rough life for
sure. The area could use some CITO though as it seems to have
regular visits. This site has a lot of island history Link to
Story Cache is literally inches off the trail, but in a clever
spot, (thanks anidanid) so no need to EVER leave the trail! Oh, and
bring your own pen or pencil!!