Last updated: January 17, 2023
Place
Gator Hook Trail
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Restroom, Trailhead
Length: 5 Miles Round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Exploring the swamp requires getting your feet wet. The five-mile roundtrip Gator Hook Trail offers such an opportunity. The trail begins along an elevated logging tram, but soon enters ankle to knee-deep water. For some, the water may rise to hip height. This scenic, moderately strenous hike, is unlike any other in Big Cypress National Preserve. You will become immersed in the resource (literally and figuratively), and experience something that very few visitors do - a wet hike through the cypress swamp.
The trailhead for Gator Hook Trail is located along the Loop Road roughly 2 miles from Monroe Station. If traveling south on the Loop Road from Monroe Station, the trailhead will be located on the left. You will see an informational kiosk. The trail begins to the right of it.
Accessibility Information: This trail is a moderately strenuous hike which involves hiking through several inches to 4 feet of water. Individuals who attempt this trail should be in good health and highly mobile. Footing can be uneven in spots where the water has dissolved the limestone. Visitors should use care when walking across the exposed limestone as it can be uneven and slippery. Hiking poles or walking sticks are suggested and sturdy footwear.
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Exploring the swamp requires getting your feet wet. The five-mile roundtrip Gator Hook Trail offers such an opportunity. The trail begins along an elevated logging tram, but soon enters ankle to knee-deep water. For some, the water may rise to hip height. This scenic, moderately strenous hike, is unlike any other in Big Cypress National Preserve. You will become immersed in the resource (literally and figuratively), and experience something that very few visitors do - a wet hike through the cypress swamp.
The trailhead for Gator Hook Trail is located along the Loop Road roughly 2 miles from Monroe Station. If traveling south on the Loop Road from Monroe Station, the trailhead will be located on the left. You will see an informational kiosk. The trail begins to the right of it.
Accessibility Information: This trail is a moderately strenuous hike which involves hiking through several inches to 4 feet of water. Individuals who attempt this trail should be in good health and highly mobile. Footing can be uneven in spots where the water has dissolved the limestone. Visitors should use care when walking across the exposed limestone as it can be uneven and slippery. Hiking poles or walking sticks are suggested and sturdy footwear.