National Park Guide - your guide to national parks in America your guide to national parks in america
« Home Current Parks News Explore the Parks Parks By State

Big Cypress National Preserve

»Contact Information
»Getting There
»Weather
»Activities
Big Cypress National Preserve was set aside in 1974 to ensure the preservation, conservation, and protection of the natural scenic, floral and faunal, and recreational values of the Big Cypress Watershed. The importance of this watershed to the Everglades National Park was a major consideration for its establishment. The name Big Cypress refers to the large size of this area. Vast expanses of cypress strands span this unique landscape.




Contact Information

HCR 61, Box 110
Ochopee, FL 34141
941-695-2000 - Headquarters
941-695-4111 - Visitor Information


Sponsored Links


Getting There

By Plane
Miami International Airport services the area from the east coast, Ft. Myers International Airport from the west coast.

By Car
I-75, state road 29, and U.S. 41 all travel through the preserve

By Plane
Private tour bus lines

Getting Around
You can receive information about the park at the visitor center located on Tamiami Trail (U.S.41) approximately half-way between Naples and Miami.

The preserve includes 31 miles of the Florida Trail which can be very wet in the rainy season. The Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail is a short, self-guided trail located on Loop Road. Two scenic drives through the preserve provide leisurely wildlife viewing. The Loop Road is a 26-mile, single-lane, unimproved road beginning and ending on highway 41. Turner River Road and Birdon Road form a u-shaped, 17-mile graded-dirt drive. In the Bear Island area, swamp buggies, A.T.V.s and four-wheel drive vehicles with a permit are restricted to the designated improved trails. Bicycles are allowed on some of the improved trails in Bear Island and on all roads.

Weather

The climate is sub-tropical, with mild winters and hot, wet summers.Light weight clothing for hot temperatures is suggested. Long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, and bug repellant if hiking.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Camping
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Backpacking
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Walks

Recommended Activities
During the winter season the preserve offers scheduled ranger-led wet walks, canoe trips, bicycle tours, and campfire programs at the campgrounds. Environmental education programs and special group tours may be arranged.


 
The National Park System includes all US States and even extends to some US Territories. To explore the parks, you may either browse the parks by State or by Name.

Choose Park by State:

Choose Park by Name:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M
N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.