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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Big Cypress National PreserveThe ghost orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is one of the rare epiphytic orchids found in Southwest Florida.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Scenic Drives
 
Visitors at the Sweetwater Strand Bridge along the Loop Road. This is a popular birding area year round.

There are two popular scenic drives within Big Cypress National Preserve. One is the 27 mile Loop Road that travels through dwarf cypress forest, pine forests and deep strands. The other is the 17 mile Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Roads Loop. This drive takes you by open prairies and popular wading bird feeding areas.

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.

While traveling along the scenic drives, 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.

For a detailed guide to the Turner River / Wagonwheel / Birdon Road scenic drive, click here.
Map showing Turner River Road Loop
Download the new scenic drive guide.
Discover more along the Turner River Scenic Loop
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Many large trees that did exist were harvested in the early 1900s.  

Did You Know?
There are few "big cypress" in Big Cypress National Preserve. The name comes from the great expanse of cypress forest, hundreds of thousands of acres, within the Big Cypress Swamp.

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Last Updated: September 11, 2008 at 19:40 EST