Hiking

Depending on the time of year hiking trails may be submerged, but are navigable.

 

Hiking within Big Cypress can be along designated trails, or orienteering through unmarked territory. Hikers should be prepared for conditions depending on the season. The dry season provides the most comfortable hiking conditions. The wet season has its unique challenges, and hikers should be prepared for tromping through water that in places can be waist deep. During either season rewards can be many - quietly watching an otter eat a fish, feeling the wind rustling your hair, discovering tropical blooms or happening upon a bear track.

Each party entering the backcountry should fill out a backcountry permit. During hunting seasons it is recomended that all people going in to the backcountry of the Preserve wear a lightweight, blaze orange vest. You may purchase these at any local sporting goods store.

Click here for a short video on hiking safely in the Preserve.

You may download .kml (Google Earth) and .gdb (Garmin Map Source) files of hiking trails on this page. You may want to download the Google Earth program to view these files. Additionally, you can down load GPS Bable which allows you to convert .kml files to an appropriate file for you GPS unit.

Refrences to non-U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) products do not constitute endorsement by the DOI. By viewing the Google Maps on this page the user agrees to these terms set forth by Google.

 

The Florida National Scenic Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve

The Florida National Scenic Trail stretches about 1,400 miles from Gulf Islands National Seashore to Big Cypress National Preserve. The southernmost section of the trail is within the National Preserve. The southern terminus of the trail begins at the Oasis Visitor Center and stretches northward for approximately 36 miles to the Preserve's northern border. The northernmost section of the trail is within Gulf Islands National Seashore. It begins at Fort Pickens and runs parallel to the coastline for 7 miles before exiting the park, then reentering in the Santa Rosa area of the National Seashore for another 7 miles.

The trail passes through a variety of habitat types including beaches, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, prairies and cypress. There are several backcountry campsites located along the trail.

During the dry season (November-April), there may be very little to no water along the trail. Hikers need to pack in their own water.

This trail is moderately strenuous. Footing can be difficult and during the rainy season, the trail can be heavily vegetated and overgrown. Portions of the trail can be under water at certain times of year. Water can be as deep as 3 to 4 feet.

Several portions of the trail require hiking along the highway, up to 40 miles or more depending on the route chosen by the traveler. There are two sections where hikers may take an east or west route depending on personal preference and hiking ability. Be prepared with permits and clothing for drastic changes in temperature and weather pattern.

For trail conditions and more information on hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail, visit the Florida Trails Association website!

For interactive maps and additional information visit the U.S. Forest Service website!