A boardwalk at sunrise
Corkscrew

Explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Visit our iconic boardwalk or sign up for a guided experience!
Photo: Audubon staff
2.25
Miles of Boardwalk
265
Bird Species Recorded
13,000
Acres of Wilderness Habitat Protected

Welcome to our world-famous 2.25-mile boardwalk.

As you move through the changing scenery, consider that this boardwalk shows visitors only a tiny fraction of the 13,000 acres we call Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. 

The sanctuary is a magnificent and expansive landscape that is home to thousands of species, a diverse tapestry of habitats, and the largest remaining stand of old-growth bald cypress trees in the world. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and some have a girth of 25 feet. Their massive branches are draped with orchids, bromeliads, and ferns. 

The sanctuary is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year, while the fabulous Painted Bunting is one of many winter visitors. 

Your Guide to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary's 2.25-mile  Boardwalk

Our Iconic Boardwalk
Learn about the history of this amazing structure that makes Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary special.
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Black-and-white photo of two boardwalks side by side, one old and one new
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Birds You Might See
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provides habitat for more than 260 species across the seasons.
Click here to discover.
Wading birds in a shallow wetland
A variety of wading birds take advantage of dropping water levels in spring to find a meal in the Lettuce Lake. Photo: Renee Wilson/Audubon Florida
Click here to discover.
Features
Boardwalk
Wheelchair accessible
Nature store
Food for purchase
Exhibits
Pollinator garden
Picnic area
Binoculars to borrow
Venue rental
Sanctuary News
A man with binoculars in a field
Getting to Know the New Sanctuary Director, Keith Laakkonen
February 07, 2023 — The Southwest Florida native talks about his new job and shares tips for birders.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
An aerial view of the restored wetland at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Celebrates 1,000 Acres of Restoration
January 17, 2023 — We are grateful to our staff, partners, and donors who have made this milestone possible.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Wood Stork Monitoring Flight Shows Nests at the Sanctuary
January 13, 2023 — Nesting and roosting activity were observed at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Wood Stork colony on January 10, 2023.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
A man on a boardwalk
Audubon Names Keith Laakkonen as Director at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
January 09, 2023 — Florida native has a background in watershed management, environmental policy, wildlife ecology, prescribed fire management, and more.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Aerial view of restored wetland
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Completes Phase One of Wetland Restoration
November 17, 2022 — Five-year, 1,000-acre milestone reached.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Ducks in flight over a wetland
Ducklings Displaced Before Hurricane Ian's Arrival Find New Homes at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
November 07, 2022 — Nine Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were released into wetlands at the Sanctuary.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Interior of a building with people at a desk
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Partners with Florida Power & Light Company to Renovate the Discovery Center Experience
November 04, 2022 — Through FPL’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, the company committed a gift to support new educational exhibits and other enhancements at the Sanctuary.
Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary