Last updated: July 22, 2024
Article
Enjoy the View Like Kathryn Finnerty
How do you enjoy the view?
The Enjoy the View Like Us series invites National Park Service employees to share their stories about their favorite park views. The ways to enjoy the view are as unique as parks and their visitors. We hope these stories inspire you to enjoy the view! Learn more about scenic views in national parks.
“This is definitely a 'can't miss' view within the preserve! The distinct blue and green colors are the first things that stand out. The reflections of the sky and trees make those colors even more distinct and interesting to look at.”
This is how Kathryn Finnerty describes her favorite view of Deep Lake in Big Cypress National Preserve. Many times, when we hear the word “scenic,” we think of vast, open expanses. At Big Cypress, scenery can be experienced at a smaller scale. Kathryn, says “It's amazing because the closer you look the more you see.”
Kathryn is a volunteer coordinator. “I've only been with the National Park Service for a year! I started as a Community Volunteer Ambassador at Big Cypress in 2022. After my term ended, I was fortunate to secure a permanent position there. One thing I learned early on is that Big Cypress National Preserve is a hidden gem that often gets overshadowed by Everglades National Park. But there is so much to see and do in the preserve that makes it unique from Everglades!”
NPS Photo
What makes this view so special?
“Deep Lake is special to me because it's one of the first hikes that I did in Big Cypress National Preserve! I came to Florida after living in the Midwest for most of my life. It was the first time for me in a swamp ecosystem.”
The Deep Lake of Big Cypress is one of only five naturally formed sinkhole lakes in South Florida. This 90-foot-deep lake is the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee. It is also one of the deepest in the entire state of Florida.
As one of the few naturally occurring sinkhole lakes, it provides a unique habitat in Southern Florida. Kathryn notes, “The fact that this place is so noticeably different during the different seasons is really special. In the winter, when the water dries down, the lake becomes an oasis for alligators, birds, fish and more. In the summer (wet season), the water rises over the bank and fills the surrounding area creating what most traditionally imagine a swamp to look like.”
The lake's water, lush vegetation, and elevated terrain attract both wildlife and people. Many generations of humans have come to Deep Lake for a variety of reasons. The Seminoles, including Chief Billy Bowlegs, relied on the fertile lands around Deep Lake. Learn more about the connection to people at Deep Lake.
NPS Photo
What should visitors know?
The serene Deep Lake is accessible via a two-mile round-trip hike. The trail meanders through sub-tropical beauty and diverse habitats. It offers an excellent opportunity to observe the preserve's renowned flora and fauna.
The entrance to the Deep Lake Trail is located off Highway 29, marked with a large gate and a brown sign. Most of the year this hike is underwater, so people should be prepared to get their feet wet (or at least muddy). Typically, by February/March, the trail dries up, providing a more comfortable experience for visitors.
Find out more information about The Deep Lake Trail.