Trip Idea
Two Hours in Big Cypress National Preserve
| Duration | Half Day |
| Topic(s) | Animals, Alligators or Crocodiles, Birds, Fish, Tortoises and Turtles, Forests and Woodlands, Groundwater, Migrations, Natural Sounds, Night Sky, Scenic Views, Watersheds, Wetlands, Swamps, Wilderness, Climate Change, Estuaries and Mangroves, Prairies, Hispanic American Heritage, Immigration, Logging and Timber Cutting, Latino American Heritage, Native American Heritage, Astronomy, Marshes, Fire, Trails, Unique Species more » |
| Activities | Scenic Driving, Museum Exhibits, Wildlife Watching, Front-Country Hiking |
| Type | Kid Friendly, Relaxed, Group Friendly |
| Parks | Big Cypress National Preserve |
Option 1
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Loop Road Scenic Drive
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Scenic Driving
- Age: 1–99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: Monroe Station, 50910 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL, 43141
- Duration: 1–3 Hours
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Any Time
This 24 mile long drive, on a mostly unpaved gravel road, is a great scenic drive through the cypress swamp. See a variety of plant and wildlife species, while getting a closeup look at the park's namesake cypress trees.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Oasis Visitor Center Boardwalk
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Wildlife Watching
- Age: 1–99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
- Duration: 5–10 Minutes
- Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
This short boardwalk is a great viewing platform of alligators, birds, turtles, and fish.
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Option 2
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Museum Exhibits
- Age: 1–99 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
- Duration: 5–60 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day
The Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center offers exhibits, bathrooms, picnic areas, a short boardwalk, and visitor information materials that will help orient the first-time visitor and provide the latest information on conditions to returning visitors.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
The Deep Lake Trail
- Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
- Reservations: No
- Activity: Front-Country Hiking
- Age: 8–65 years old
- Pets: No
- Location: 20202 State Road 29, Copeland, FL 34137
- Duration: 30–90 Minutes
- Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
This one-mile moderate hike to Deep Lake is a unique experiences. Deep Lake is over 95 feet deep, and the deepest lake in south Florida. Leave yourself about an hour to complete the trail. During the wet season (May-October) the trail can be wet and muddy.
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Last updated: August 12, 2025