Teel Road Cypress Swamp

Look for cypress knees in the shallow waters of the swamp.

NPS Photo / Andrew Bennett

Quick Facts

Location:

Saratoga, TX

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

Still water, towering trees, and a chorus of birds, insects, and frogs invite you to explore the cypress swamp.

Most of the big trees growing out of the water are bald cypress, a conifer native to the southeastern United States. Bald cypress is easily identified by its wide, buttressed trunk, needle-like leaves, and unusual root features called cypress knees.

Cypress knees are whimsical in appearance, looking like a gathering of goblins. They are an above-ground extension of bald cypress roots, though scientists do not fully understand their purpose. Some studies suggest that the knees provide stability in the swampy conditions or help the roots with gas exchange.

Visit during different seasons to see the swamp’s many moods. Spring and summer provide a spectacular amount of greenery. Fall brings a dramatic palette of color as bald cypress leaves turn a rich copper color. Winter’s mood is muted, as the trees’ bare branches are exposed in the chilly air.

Though the swamp is quite scenic, it’s not entirely natural. An abandoned logging road on the west edge of the swamp acts as a dam, holding water in place that would normally flow down to Little Pine Island Bayou. As a result, it created the perfect conditions for a bald cypress swamp.

Explore the Swamp

Feeling adventurous? Explore the swamp on foot. You can choose your own route through or around the swamp—there are no trails here.

• Don’t get lost. Be mindful of your route through the swamp so you can return to your car.
• Watch out for snakes.
• Hunting is allowed here from October 1 to February 28. Wear orange if you enter the woods during hunting season.