Stewart Boulevard

The Stewart Boulevard is a west-to-east trail that takes you all the way to the west end of the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve (no vehicle access) in the Picayune Strand State Forest. Picayune Strand State Forest is in the heart of the Big Cypress Basin. The majority of this hydric forest is under water during the wet season. The forest is a mosaic of cypress strands, wet prairie, and pine flatwoods in the lowlands and subtropical hardwood hammocks in the uplands. The northern section of the Belle Meade Tract contains many second-growth South Florida slash pines, with some remnant trees being over 100 years old. The forest provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including many threatened and endangered species. Although Florida panthers are rarely observed, visitors often find their tracks on many of the sandy roads and trails throughout the forest. The first few miles, the road conditions are a mixture of packed sand, loose sand and some deep holes that can turn into 2-3 feet deep mud holes after rainy days. Further east, the road turns into a very challenging trail with hundreds of feet flooded (2-4 feet deep) even in the dry season. The road is narrow and not wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Plan ahead before you enter the flooded areas. You might not be able to turn around and have to back up a few hundred feet. 4WD and high clearance are mandatory. All vehicles must be street legal. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are prohibited on the Picayune Strand State Forest. A Daypass for $2 or an annual pass for all State Forests is required. You can purchase the pass online at https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/. Please be aware that the cellphone reception is weak.