This photo album consists of various landmarks along the ECT Keys-Glades Connector starting from the intersection of SR997 and US41 and ending at the Florida National Scenic Trail terminus.  Because there is no blazing of this section of the trail, the images are intended to help you find your way.  Creating your memories will be left to you. 

Location:  Intersection of SR997 and US41.  At this intersection the northwest and southwest corners are Miccosukee tribal land.  

The northwest corner is the Miccosukee Resort, shown above:  hotel, casino, ATM machines.  Southwest is tobacco sales - I assume that no one hiking the ECT will be stopping there.   

The convenience store on the southeast corner will be the place of interest at this intersection.  There is a Subway inside, and it is a surprising good resupply option for a convenience store - there are even some camp supplies.  If you are southbound, don't buy much as you will have services either fairly or abundantly available for the rest of your hike.   There is a Cuban coffee stand just outside the door - legal jet fuel!!!

Not pictured here are key services that are available off-trail east on US41:
Closest Restaurant:  The Pit BBQ - 1.2 miles east from here  YUM!!!!
Closest US Post Office - 3.3 miles east from here
Closest Full Service Grocery: Publix - 4.0 miles east from here
Closest Library - 4.5 miles east from here
After the post office, services become abundant as you encounter the urban sprawl of Miami. The sprawl continues west - there will be another full service grocery built a mile closer within the year.
 

Location:  Canal Lock S334 - On US41 just east of the SR997 intersection.  The canal is South Florida Water Management District property and they clearly post that overnight camping is prohibited.  Just beyond the canal to the north is the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area. You will have the choice of walking along the canal or on the berm.  The berm has the better views.  There will be occasional access roads allowing you to alternate between the high road and the low road.

Location: Coopertown bridge, 3.7 miles west of canal lock S334
This is the only public bridge between the two canal locks.  This is the first service available heading west, and the last heading east until SR997.  There are other services heading west, but this is the only chance you have to cross over until canal lock S333, which is another 7.3 miles.  What that means, west bounders on the canal, is that if you aren't hungry yet, but might be in the next couple of hours and you want a real meal, cross now and walk along the road.  However, if you can hold on, there are restaurants after canal lock S333 and you can continue to enjoy the better views the north side of the canal offers.

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Location: Gator Park, a little further west
Another chance for a prepared meal.  Many of these places are restaurants/giftshops/airboat tours.  

Location: Everglades Safari 
Another opportunity for a good meal.   This one draws a lot of tourists.  Good bathroom facilities.  

Location:  Value Jet Memorial - just east of Canal Lock S333 on the Everglades side of the canal.  In 1996 Value Jet flight 592 crashed deep in the Everglades.  A memorial was erected here where it could be easily accessed by mourners.  

Location:  Canal Lock S333
Once again, overnight camping is prohibited on the SFWMD lands, but just behind this lock is the Francis S. Taylor wildlife management area that does permit primitive camping.  You do not want to set up camp near this particular spot - you should move back much further from the road so you are not harassed by boaters or fishermen. 

Location:  Just west of Canal Lock S333
Shortly after returning to US41, you will enter the sovereign land of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida.  

Location:  Miccosukee Village Area
About seven miles or so after entering the reservation, you will arrive at the primary Miccosukee village area.  Below is the most important photo I have posted on this site.  This is your last chance to resupply for the next 71 miles.  You may be able to find some junk food here or there, but this is the last regular store for a LONG time.  Do not miss this!!  I am posting this extra large so that you can familiarize yourself with this landmark.

Here is the official Miccosukee Village attaction just after your resupply stop.

Location: Loop Road and US41
At what is known as the 40 mile bend, there is a turn for Loop Road. You are now entering the Big Cypress Preserve. The homes you see in this area are tribal residences.

Location: Start of Loop Road
Game Station and Permit Kiosk.  You may obtain your back country permit here, but you will have two later chances to do so.  This station is meant primarily for hunters.

Location:  Boundary of Backcountry
At this point you should fill out your backcountry permit, especially if you plan to camp at one of the primitive sites before reaching the Florida Trail.  The only chance after this to get a permit is at the FNST Trailhead.

Location:  Pinecrest Primitive Campsite
About 3.6 miles after entering the backcountry, there is a sign for primitive camping on the north side of the road.  It is a short walk in.  There is a port a let.  The photos mark the Pinecrest campsite, but within another mile on the south side of the road is the Mitchell primitive campsite.  The walk is slightly longer to the campsite, and it also has a port a let.  Observe the rules!!  

Location: Terminus, Florida Trail
End of the Keys-Glades Connector, Start of the Florida National Scenic Trail

The Florida National Scenic Trail has orange blazes.  They can be difficult to spot in this area because the trees are very small, but the blaze on this sign is as clear as it can be.  This section of the FNST is very difficult due to water levels.  Please ensure that you fully research the FNST before hiking!  This is the most difficult section of the trail and quite unlike anything you might have hiked in other areas!

Happy Trails!  You are now leaving my backyard and setting foot on the FNST.  If you have road tested my contribution to the ECT, please send me your feedback!  I hope the information I provided helped you with your planning if you have not yet hiked, and helped with your journey if you are starting out or finishing up.