
Overview
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.
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.
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Things to do

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