Jane’s Scenic Drive – Copeland, FL
We decided to take a ride on Jane’s Memorial Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Head North on US 29 at the intersection of US 41 (Tamiami Trail). A short drive north, turn left on Jane’s Scenic Drive. Follow into the State Park visitors center. The center was closed on my visit, but you’ll find a self-service fee station, a modest $3.00 fee for a vehicle.
Jane’s Scenic Drive is approximately a 15-mile dirt road through the ‘Real Florida’ (as stated on one of the signs). The dirt road was decently maintained for the first few miles, but there were many large potholes and an occasional limb across the road several miles out. Although I saw many cars, included a Prius, traversing the primitive road, I would highly recommend a truck. 
This is a fantastic drive to get you out into the wilds of South Florida. We saw Gators sunning themselves on the side and sometimes in the road including the largest gator I’ve ever seen. Probably not the longest, but definitely the ‘girthiest’. Strategically positioned on the side of the road in front of a beautiful view of a
Black-Crowned Night Heron, I was forced to attempt to photograph the Heron from the safety of my vehicle. I think I could have shooed the gator away, but his crashing into the swamp would have 
frightened the Heron. So, using my window as a camera stabilizer, I photographed what I could of the Heron.
The drive exits to the Picayune Strand State Forest. We drove a couple miles into the Picayune Strand before road wash-outs turned us around. The brief time in Picayune, we saw a Swallow Tailed Kite and several Egrets.
Overall, we spent about 4 hours driving the entire length of Jane’s Scenic Drive (out and back). Driving about 10mph, with many stops to see the beauty of wild Florida.
Fakahatchee has many other options for your visit: a boardwalk on US41, tram tours, and swamp walks. The Fakahatchee is also the place to see the Ghost Orchid. Visit the Friends of The Fakahatchee website: http://www.orchidswamp.org for more information.
Things to keep in mind: No cell service for most of the drive; backcountry dirt road – consider the vehicle your driving; make sure you have snacks and plenty of water; don’t hurry through the trip. Take your time, even if you don’t want to do any hiking, enjoy the backcountry of The Everglades.