Florida Trail, Big Cypress

If you’re looking to really break away from civilization, then the Florida Trail at Big Cypress National Preserve might just be for you. A 1,000-mile-long trail connecting Big Cypress at the tip of South Florida with Pensacola up north, the Florida trail’s unpaved and undeveloped paths are a must for serious backpackers and hikers. But if you’re looking to get a little taste of the expert level trail, you can always start at the Tamiami Trail rest stop and head about 30 miles north to I-75.

The wildest and most remote section of the Florida Trail, the traverse of the Big Cypress Swamp north of the Southern Terminus is like no other hike in Florida. Man-made obstructions, including highways and canals, impede the natural wash of water across this tropical landscape. The swamp is home to the highest concentration of orchid and fern species in the United States. Winding deep into the wilds of Big Cypress National Preserve, this is the most remote section of trail in the state of Florida. The landscape is likened to the savannas of Africa, but also has pockets of rainforest-like botanical beauty enveloped in thick humidity.

Location: Big Cypress

Length: 32.7 kilometers

Address: 1022 NW 2nd St, Gainesville, FL 32601, United States
Fees: $5 - $30
Phone: 352-378-8823

Website: www.nps.gov