A serene Florida spring run reflects dense palm hammock forest along its glassy, teal-green shoreline.

Janes Memorial Scenic Drive

A slow, rough, rewarding drive through deep Florida wilderness where alligators have the right of way.

(16)
$$$$Jerome, FL

About

Jane's Memorial Scenic Drive is a 6-mile dirt road cutting through the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve, just outside Jerome in South Florida's wild interior. You pay $3 at a self-serve envelope station near the entrance (bring exact change, there's no attendant), tear off a hang tag, and you're on your own. No cell service. No crowds. Just you and whatever's sitting in the road.

And things will be sitting in the road. Alligators use this drive like a sidewalk, especially on warm mornings when they're out soaking up heat. You're supposed to drive slowly anyway, given the potholes, so it works out. Plan for the full 6 miles to take longer than you'd expect.

An SUV or truck is the right call here. Reviewers have spotted cars and minivans making it through, but the road is rough, dusty, and uneven in stretches. The landscape is pure Florida swamp, flat and open, with hiking trails branching off if you want to get out and walk. Bathrooms are only available at the entrance, before the gate, so plan accordingly.

The park closes at sunset, which honestly sets a natural deadline for the experience. This part of South Florida sits on the northern edge of the greater Everglades ecosystem, and the drive has that same slow, primordial feeling you get deeper in the park. Bug spray is non-negotiable. Binoculars are a good idea. Expectations for a polished experience should be left at home.

Reviews (16)

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4.2

16 reviews

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Fran
Fran

7 months ago

Great scenic drive (12 miles roundtrip) for those who enjoy nature & that dont mind a bumpy road (potholes) or getting their suv/truck dirty/dusty. Park closes at sunset, cellular reception can be little to none, bathrooms only at park entrance before the entering the gate. At the end of the six mile drive you have the option to continue for another two-miles (four miles roundtrip) on foot or bike/ebike. In my opinion it is totally worth it for a chance to see the historic Fakahatchee Hilton and the Swamp Lake a pond full of gators some can be in back of the outhouse sunbathing. **Wildlife is unpredictable and time of day of thier activity varies, there is a chance you may not see any animals but it is still an amazing experience. Keep in mind if you do the walk you might want to take the following items: Bug spray, camera, binoculars, sunscreen/long sleeve, walking stick, snacks, water, comfortable shoes. For a video of Janes Scenic Drive search tiktok profile: @ocean_treasurz

Paul Good
Paul Good

2 years ago

Enjoyed the 6 mile scenic drive. Rough road, did see a car and minivan, but would recommend an SUV. Their is a post with envelopes, you put $3 dollars in it, tear off a tag to hand in your car, and put the envelope in a slot. Bring exact change, we did not see anyone else there. Lots of hiking trails! Looking forward to coming back.

Olivia Baker
Olivia Baker

a year ago

This was a fun place to explore. There are several signs that say trail cameras are prohibited. The road is full of potholes, but drivers are supposed to be traveling slowly anyway.

Capt. Norm
Capt. Norm

2 years ago

I'm not sure if 'scenic' is the correct term. I'd describe it as interesting. It's a rough dirt road with lots of potholes, but not terrible. The road basically runs through a giant swamp. Bring bug spray.

Dudubangbang
Dudubangbang

3 years ago

Total six miles but about four miles is only drivable. Many Alligators are on the road, so you need to drive slowly and carefully.

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