Last updated: January 17, 2023
Place
Florida National Scenic Trail Southern Terminus
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Amenities
8 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Trailhead
The Florida National Scenic Trail threads its way up through the cypress domes, prairies and pinelands of Big Cypress National Preserve all the way up to the sand beaches of Gulf Islands National Seashore in the panhandle of Florida. The trail travels 1,300 miles throughout the state, offering recreational opportunities year-round as the nation's only subtorpical National Scenic Trail. The Florida Trail is divided to two sections within the Preserve:
Big Cypress Southern Section - Length: 24.6 miles (linear)
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 Northern Section - Length: 8 miles (linear)
Traveling north from the I-75 trailhead, enter Big Cypress north. This far dryer section of the trail in the Preserve follows Nobles Grade road while allowing beautiful swamp views. The Carpenter Camp Loop, blazed in blue, provides access to a campsites (Carpenter Camp, Panther Camp and CCC Camp). Backcountry permits are required and are available at the entrance off of the rest stop.
Large sections of the trail will be inundated with water throughout the duration of the year. If planning on going on full to multi-day hikes, hikers must be prepared to deal with water an backcountry camping while practicing Leave No Trace principles.
Big Cypress Southern Section - Length: 24.6 miles (linear)
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 Northern Section - Length: 8 miles (linear)
Traveling north from the I-75 trailhead, enter Big Cypress north. This far dryer section of the trail in the Preserve follows Nobles Grade road while allowing beautiful swamp views. The Carpenter Camp Loop, blazed in blue, provides access to a campsites (Carpenter Camp, Panther Camp and CCC Camp). Backcountry permits are required and are available at the entrance off of the rest stop.
Large sections of the trail will be inundated with water throughout the duration of the year. If planning on going on full to multi-day hikes, hikers must be prepared to deal with water an backcountry camping while practicing Leave No Trace principles.