Last updated: April 24, 2021
Thing to Do
Gator Hook Trail
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.
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Activity
Front-Country Hiking
This 5-mile roundtrip hike is an extremely immersive, moderately strenuous experience. You will hike out into a cypress swamp, and most times of the year, the majority of the trail will be under water. Wear closed-toed shoes, pants, and hiking poles or walking sticks are helpful.
In places where there is exposed limestone, beware of solution holes or potholes. If you're not careful, it is very easy to twist your ankle if you are not careful. Use caution when hiking on the trail.
In places where there is exposed limestone, beware of solution holes or potholes. If you're not careful, it is very easy to twist your ankle if you are not careful. Use caution when hiking on the trail.
Age(s)
8-70
This is a moderately strenuous hike which most of the year involves walking through water. Individuals attempting the trail should be in good health and willing to hike through ankle to hip deep water. Water levels can vary over the different seasons from little to no water, to about 4 feet of water.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Gator Hook Trailhead - Loop Road
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.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
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.