Big Cypress National Preserve, Preserve in Ochopee, Florida
Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve

Ochopee · Florida

Overview

About Big Cypress National Preserve.

The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.

Arts and CultureAuto and ATVATV Off-RoadingScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingBoatingBoat TourCampingBackcountry Camping

Weather

Big Cypress National Preserve experiences two predominant seasons- wet and dry. RAINY SEASON (May through October) While visiting during this season you may find daily afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, temperatures in the mid-to-high 80s and a multitude of mosquitoes. DRY SEASON (November through April) Falling water levels within Big Cypress make this a pleasant time to hike, camp, and watch wildlife.

Key Facts

TypePreserve
DesignationNational Preserve

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Big Cypress National Preserve.

8 images

Things to do

Discover Big Cypress National Preserve.

Trail running through sawgrass prairie with thunderstorm clouds in the distance

Fire Prairie Trail

1-3 Hours

This five-mile long out and back trail is a great way to see the sawgrass prairies of Big Cypress National Preserve. Good for all skill levels, this trail provides unique viewing areas of some of the more elusive wildlife here. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

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A backpacker crosses over a bridge with poles in hand.

Florida National Scenic Trail

2-5 Days

This 36-mile contiguous section of the Florida National Scenic Trail is the southernmost portion of trail. This moderately strenuous hike can be difficult to traverse at certain times of year. The trail can be under up to 3 to 4 feet of water in the rainy season. During the dry season, there can be little to no water along the trail.

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Cypress trees surrounding a pool of water. Air plants can be seen on cypress trees

Gator Hook Trail

2-4 Hours

This moderately strenuous hike is a highly-immersive experience. Journey into the the Gator Hook Strand. Walk through water that is ankle to knee-deep. See alligators, snakes, birds, bromeliads (air plants), and mature cypress trees.

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Picnic tables dispersed amongst palm trees with a boardwalk in the background of the image.

H.P. Williams Wayside Park

10-30 Minutes

H.P. Williams Wayside Park is located immediately off of Highway 41. It includes a short boardwalk, picnic areas, and restrooms.

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Boardwalk in between large cypress trees

Kirby Storter Roadside Park

15-60 Minutes

This immersive boardwalk will take you into a cypress strand. Good for the whole family, this boardwalk is open daily from an hour before sunrise until an hour after sunset.

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Cypress trees lining a channel of water.

Loop Road Scenic Drive

1-3 Hours

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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Visitor Center illuminated at night with night sky visible and palm trees in the foreground

Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center

5-60 Minutes

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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Boardwalk with visitors and Ranger with canal in the foreground. Alligators are below boardwalk

Oasis Visitor Center Boardwalk

5-10 Minutes

This short boardwalk is a great viewing platform of alligators, birds, turtles, and fish.

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The milky way dominating a starry sky over palm trees.

Stargazing in Big Cypress

Dark skies are essential natural, scientific, cultural, and economic resources. National Park sites, including Big Cypress National Preserve, are home to some of the last remaining dark skies in the country and are committed to protecting the night sky resource.

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