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Length: 24.6 miles (linear) Big Cypress National Preserve consists of 729,000 acres of subtropical terrain, about a third of which is covered with the dwarf pond cypress. Bordering the northern edge of Everglades National Park, it is named for its great expanse, not the size of the trees. In addition to the cypress swamp, the landscape has sandy islands of slash pine and hardwood hammocks, as well as sloughs, wet prairies, marshes and mangrove forests.
 This section of the Florida Trail passes through the great swamp of dwarf pond cypress and crosses pine islands, hammocks, giant ferns, and prairies with cabbage palm and saw palmetto. Bromeliads (air plants) are everywhere. Seven Mile Camp is a particularly interesting location, where the night sounds of the chuck-will's-widows mingle with the occasional screams of a bobcat or the sound of wild turkeys. Bluebirds, quail, kites, wood storks, short-tailed hawks, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker may also be seen.
Big Cypress is also home to eagles, deer, alligators, the Florida Black Bear, feral hogs, and the Florida panther. Alligator holes can sometimes be detected in drier weather when the water level is down.
 The trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve has been designated part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and is managed by the National Park Service. The northern end of this map is at 13 Mile Camp. The southern end is on Loop Rd, 13 miles west of the 40-Mile bend of US 41. Part of Loop Road is unimproved dirt. Caution is advised. Travel for the last seven miles will be slow. Watch for the hiker backcountry registration kiosk on north side of road. Access is available on Tamiami Trail (US 41) at Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center, 55 miles west of Miami Courthouse, 42 miles west of the Florida Turnpike, and 52 miles east of Naples. From this location, head north to Alligator Alley or south to Loop Road.
Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey.
Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc. On US 41, parking is available at the Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center. Check in with the park rangers before leaving your vehicle. Botanical Giant ferns, bromeliads Campsites Frog Hammock, Seven Mile Camp, Ten Mile Camp Strenuous through swamps and sawgrass prairies. Many areas have no dry ground or shelter from the sun. Wading should be expected, even with average rainfall. January through April are the drier months. Fiberglass wands with mile markers have been added between Loop Rd and I-75, however they are approximate and are frequently broken or stolen. Carry extra shoes and socks. Always carry a map and compass in this remote section. In high water, footing can be tricky. Watch for sharp rocks, solution holes and ruts. Bury human waste at least 100 yards south of your campsite. Hikers routinely average 1 mph from Loop Rd to I-75. Do not underestimate this section of trail. Even though flat, it is very strenuous. The Boy Scout mileage sign for the blue loop trail is inaccurate. For Preserve information, write to HCR 61, Box 11,Ochopee, FL 34141. Phone: 239-695-1201 or review their website at www.nps.gov/bicy Check hunting schedule and water level at Big Cypress National Preserve (239-695-1201). |
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