• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • Campfire Ban in Effect.

    Due to severe fire conditions campfires restrictions are currently in place. More »

  • 2013 Zone 4 Closure

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

Scenic Drives

Visitors at the Sweetwater Strand Bridge along the Loop Road. This is a popular birding area year round.

Visitors stopping to enjoy the view along Loop Road.

There are two popular scenic drives within Big Cypress National Preserve.

Loop Road is a 27-mile drive that travels through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests and deep strands.
Click here for a detailed guide.

Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop is a 17-mile drive that takes you by open prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas.
Click here for a detailed guide.

While visiting the Preserve, take the time to leave the beaten trail of US 41 (the Tamiami Trail) and take a more leisurely journey along one of these scenic drives.

 

Please remember that it is illegal to feed or harass wildlife. Do not attempt to approach alligators.

Additionally, there are several private home sites along both drives. Please respect private property rights of the residents.

Did You Know?

Researchers gather data from a bear that was removed as a nuisance.

Please do not feed any of the wildlife within the preserve. A "fed bear is a dead bear." This bear was fed and eventually became a threat to visitor safety. Nuisance wildlife is sometimes removed, but typically does not survive.