Big Cypress National Preserve ⓘ

The Tamiami Trail, otherwise known as U.S. Highway Route 41, is a 284 mi (457 km) stretch of road connecting Tampa to Miami via Naples. Although many travelers choose to drive on interstate 75 to traverse Florida east and west, the historic Tamiami Trail, running parallel to the south, offers a thrilling, scenic drive through Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.

In 1915, a representative from Fort Myers and a representative from Miami proposed the construction of this highway to connect these coastal cities to encourage tourism in South Florida. A representative of Tampa caught word of such project and decided to continue the road North combining both end destinations names into one: Tamiami. The counties that were included in the proposed route all agreed to pay and construct their own portion of the road, but in 1919 a few years after construction was well underway, Lee County ran out of money. Monroe county to the south excitedly stepped forward to build Lee’s portion in their own county altering the route only slightly.

Meanwhile in Southwest Florida, Barron Collier, an up-and-coming business tycoon had diversified his assets in various industries and millions of acres of wilderness, pledged to bankroll the completion of the Tamiami Trail in its original route. All Collier asked for in return, was that the State legislature designate the land surrounding this portion of the highway as a new county reflecting his name.

In April 1928, the Tamiami Trail was completed using the original route as Collier promised bypassing the piece completed by Monroe County left to be known as the south loop, or today, Loop Road. An estimated $7 million was spent on the entire construction and was viewed as an impressive engineering feat. As expected, the road brought many wealthy tourists to the area driving Elcars and Ford Model T’s and boosting the economy of South Florida. The Seminole and Miccosukee moved closer to the road to sell items to travelers. More people began settling in the area and increased logging and cattle grazing practices.

As the years went on after the Tamiami’s creation, the destruction to the ecosystem was quickly realized. The road acted as a dam to block the natural flow from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay and the Big Cypress Watershed flow into the Gulf of America. With such a large volume of water displaced, native flora and fauna found their natural habitats displaced and even removed entirely. To mitigate this loss, canals and culverts were added around the road in the 1990’s. Plans to build a bridge over the landscape and remove all the original road fill were proposed by The Florida Department of Transportation and Everglades National Park. Multiple of these projects have since been completed over the last 20 years raising the road and allowing water and wildlife to pass underneath. the final phase of this series was funded with intentions to have it completed by 2024.

Soon after the Tamiami Trail was open, six service stations were constructed along the most remote stretch through Collier County. Fuel, food and other necessities were for sale to provide a welcome rest for road-weary travelers. The stations were situated 10 miles apart, and each was operated by a husband and wife. The husbands were designated by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to patrol the five miles on either side of their station by motorcycle to assist travelers.

Monroe Station was one of the six service stations created and was located at the western intersection of Tamiami Trail and South Loop (Loop Road). The original husband that operated Monroe station died two months into duty due to a head on collision while patrolling on his motorcycle. These mounted Sheriffs were disbanded in 1934 though the buildings remained operational. Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1974 and forced Monroe station to remove its gas tanks. Monroe station eventually went out of business a little over a decade later. Monroe Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 11, 2000. However, in 2016, a group of Instagrammers from South Florida climbed onto the roof to “spin steel wool”, a photography technique that involves tying a burning piece of steel wool to a rope and spinning it, set Monroe Station alight and it burned to the ground. The building was removed from the National Register of Historic Places soon after and the lot remains empty today. The building can still be seen in the 1997 film Gone Fishin’ with Joe Pesci and Danny Glover.

Click here for a short video that outlines the various activities that Congress directed the National Park Service to allow and manage for within Big Cypress National Preserve.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a diverse landscape, where one can see cypress and mangroves, alligators and panthers all in one day! Just like the diversity of the land, the National Park Service manages for a diversity of activities within the national preserve that national parks typically do not allow.

In the 1960s, plans for the world's largest Jetport, to be constructed in the heart of the Greater Everglades of south Florida, were unveiled. This project, and the anticipated development that would follow, spurred the incentive to protect the wilds of the vast Big Cypress Swamp. To prevent development of the Jetport, local conservationists, sportsmen, environmentalists, Miccosukees, Seminoles and many others set political and personal differences aside. The efforts of countless individuals and government officials prevailed when, On October 11, 1974, Big Cypress National Preserve was established as the nation's first national preserve.

The concept of a Preserve was born from an exercise in compromise. Everyone saw the importance of protecting the swamp, but many did not want this region merely added to nearby Everglades National Park that was created in the 1940s. Many felt that national parks were managed in a restrictive manner and access to the swamp would be lost. The resulting compromise created a new land management concept - a national preserve. An area that would be protected, but would also allow for specific activities that were described by Congress within the legislation that created the Preserve.

Traditional and Customary Uses Allowed Within Big Cypress A wide variety of traditional, consumptive and recreational activities were carried out in Big Cypress before the inception of the Preserve. Hunting, oil and gas extraction, operation of off-road vehicles, private land ownership, traditional use by Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes and cattle grazing were allowed for by the United States Congress through the Preserve's enabling legislation. These six traditional activities would not typically be allowed in a conventional national park.

Hunting A long-established recreational activity, hunting continues in Big Cypress today. Common species of interest are white-tail deer (fall season), turkey (spring season) and hogs. A valid Florida hunting license is required, other special permits may also be required. Fishing and frogging are also allowed year round with a Florida freshwater fishing license. Hunting activities within the Preserve is managed in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission .

Off Road Vehicle Use Gaining access to private lands, locations for hunting or exploring the remoteness of the swamp can require specialized transportation in Big Cypress. Customized four-wheel drive vehicles called swamp buggies and airboats provide passage through the many difficult areas found in the remoteness of the Preserve's 729,000 acres.

Permits and vehicle inspections are required to explore the Preserve's network of off-road vehicle trails. For more information, visit the off-road vehicle office at the Oasis Visitor Center or contact them at 239-695-1205.

Traditional Use and Occupancy by the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes These two tribes still call Big Cypress and the Everglades home and continue to access resources as their ancestors did. Using timber for the construction of traditional shelters called "chickees," or harvesting plants and animals for personal use. The Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes have their legacy and traditional way of life secured through the creation of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Oil and Gas Exploration To date, only two reserves of oil have been found on the landmass of Florida; one of these sits nestled under the Big Cypress Swamp, the Sunniland Formation . Oil was first discovered in the Sunniland area in 1943, and has continued to be extracted from beneath lands that are now part of the Preserve. Oil fields in Big Cypress are located in the Raccoon Point and Bear Island areas. Private companies lease the mineral rights and their activity is regulated and monitored by the National Park Service and the state of Florida.

Private Land Ownership Before becoming a national preserve, many individuals lived and recreated within the swamp. When the Preserve was created in 1974 (1988 within an area known as the Addition), a person in legal possession of land, after meeting certain criteria, became exempt from federal acquisition. The right to land ownership was secured by the Preserve's enabling legislation. Hundreds of residences and primitive camps pepper the landscape of the Preserve; several can only be reached by off-road vehicle or airboat.

Cattle Grazing Despite no active leases for grazing in Big Cypress today, the cattle industry still thrives in south Florida. At one time ranchers called "crackers" worked cattle on the land in Big Cypress. These ranchers used bullwhips and dogs instead of lassos, hence the name "cracker." Ranchers also used a smaller "scrub cow" to graze the thick brush found in Big Cypress. When the Preserve was created this traditional use was included in the legislation.

Big Cypress National Preserve allows for a wide range of activities that many National Park Service units do not manage for. Whether it be hunting , hiking, fishing, canoeing , " ORVing ," or just plain relaxing, Big Cypress National Preserve offers to the public diverse opportunities to explore this diverse landscape. Imagine what the area may have become if the proposed airport was completed and a comprimise for protection was not found.

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Water in south Florida once flowed freely from the Kissimmee River to Lake Okeechobee and southward over low-lying lands to the estuaries of Biscayne Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and Florida Bay. This shallow, slow-moving sheet of water covered almost 11,000 square miles, creating a mosaic of mangrove forests, swamps, sawgrass prairies,pinelands, and hardwood hammocks. For thousands of years this intricate system evolved into a finely balanced ecosystem that formed the biological infrastructure for the southern half of the state. However, to early colonial settlers and developers the Everglades were potential farm land and communities.By the early 1900s', the drainage process to transform wetland to land ready to be developed was underway. The results would be severely damaging to the ecosystem and the species it supported. With the support of many early conservationists, scientists, and other advocates, Big Cypress National Preserve was established in 1974 to conserve the natural landscape and prevent further degradation of its land, plants, and animals. Although the captivation of the Big Cypress swamp has mostly stemmed from its unique ecosystem, an alluring human story of the Big Cypress is deeply interwoven with its dense mangroves, towering palms, alligator holes, and tropical fauna. Various groups and people navigated through and wrestled with the watery landscape to make it home, and even to exploit its natural wonder at times. On these pages you can discover more about the Native Americans that existed and thrived; the agricultural development and drainage of the Everglades; the people and groups who advocated for the conservation of the area; the Everglades’ role in United States War efforts; the preservation and restoration work that continues today; and much more.

Today, over one million people explore the Preserve each year. We learn from the stories of those who walked the swamp before us, allowing appreciation of their lasting footprints that led to conscious preservation.

Big Cypress National Preserve is located in southwest Florida in some of the most rugged terrain in the state. The preserve encompasses approximately 729,000 acres of a freshwater swamp ecosystem, offering refuge to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Big Cypress National Preserve was created in 1974, to protect the water quality, natural resources, and ecological integrity of the Big Cypress Swamp. Plants and animals in the Preserve are protected from unauthorized collection, and areas are monitered for ecosystem health!

The South Florida Natural Resources Center (SFNRC) is a National Park Service office that provides scientific information and environmental assessments to the NPS units of South Florida and to the Department of Interior.

SFNRC scientists seek to conserve and, where necessary, restore the normal suite of interactions between the biological and physical elements of the environment in order to ensure a functional ecosystem and its associated biological diversity.

Reflecting the holistic nature of the ecosystem, the center works to integrate applied science with management actions toward the preservation of resources for the enjoyment of future generations.

The magic and beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve is yours to discover. Big Cypress National Preserve provides a variety of opportunities to enjoy and explore natural landscapes and environments like no others. The Preserve acts as the back yard for millions of residents and visitors in South Florida. A place to play, relax, and renew your connection with nature. Join us in enjoying your public lands responsibly.

Big Cypress National Preserve provides a variety of opportunities to enjoy and explore natural landscapes and environments like no others. The Preserve acts as the back yard for millions of residents and visitors in South Florida. A place to play, relax, and renew your connection with nature. Join us in enjoying your public lands responsibly. Don't want to do it on your own? Commercial swamp buggy, airboat, canoe, kayak, flat boat, hiking, and driving tours are also available through permitted commercial service operators. Check the list of operators and the recreational services they provide.

Discovery hikes, boardwalk talks, and interpretive canoe programs.Get out of the car and get into the real Big Cypress National Preserve

The Big Cypress Institute offers unique experiences to families, individuals, and education groups seeking adventure and discovery fun.

From an easy stroll to an all-day trek, get out and explore Big Cypress National Preserve on foot!

Explore the special beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve from the water. Find out more about paddling your way through the preserve.

A unique and old way to experience the preserve. Find out how to get your permit and hit the trails.

Two popular scenic drives get you off the highways and into the wild side of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Lodging and Restaurants Located in southwest Florida, Big Cypress National Preserve is close to many communities offering lodging ranging from vacation rentals to hotels, as well as a variety of local restaurants. Some cities to consider include Everglades City, Naples, Ft. Myers, Homestead and Miami.

Campgrounds in Big Cypress The park has five front-country campground facilities (RV and tent) accessible by car off of Highway 41. Burns Lake, Monument, and Midway offer easy access to the main road, while our more remote campgrounds (still accessible by car), Bear Island and Mitchell's Landing provide a little more solitude for campers looking to get away!

Reservations are required for all campgrounds in Big Cypress National Preserve. Head to recreation.gov to reserve your site! (reservations can only be made up to six months in advance.) Backcountry Camping Backcountry camping is available in the Preserve. There are two, formal backcountry campgrounds in the Bear Island Unit. They are reachable by foot, or by permitted off-road vehicle. Gator Head and Pink Jeep also require reservations that can be made online.

Located in southwest Florida, Big Cypress National Preserve is close to many communities offering lodging ranging from vacation rentals to hotels, as well as a variety of local restaurants. Some cities to consider include Everglades City, Naples, Ft. Myers, Homestead and Miami. There are very limited food options within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Preserve. However, in Everglades City, just west of Big Cypress, you can find a small grocery store and a number of restaurants available. To the east of Big Cypress's boundary, the suburbs of Miami provide a multitude of options for food. Already have lunch and just need somewhere to eat it? There are picnic tables throughout the preserve, at both visitor centers , and roadside parks .

The park has five front-country campground facilities (RV and tent) accessible by car off of Highway 41. Burns Lake, Monument, and Midway offer easy access to the main road, while our more remote campgrounds (still accessible by car), Bear Island and Mitchell's Landing provide a little more solitude for campers looking to get away! Reservations are required for all campgrounds in Big Cypress National Preserve. Head to recreation.gov to reserve your site! (reservations can only be made up to six months in advance.)

Backcountry camping is available in the Preserve. There are two, formal backcountry campgrounds in the Bear Island Unit. They are reachable by foot, or by permitted off-road vehicle. Gator Head and Pink Jeep also require reservations that can be made online. For formal campground and backcountry camping regulations, please see the dropdowns below!

Once the daily limit has been reached for each time period, no person, party, or organization may use another designated area for the remainder of that season.

Located along highway 41, Monument Lake is a very popular campground with showers available to campers.

Midway offers electrical hookups and easy access to Highway 41. This campground is located on the eastern side of the Preserve.

Mitchell's Landing is a little off the beaten path along a gravel road. The campground gives access to a public airboat launch.

The closest campground to Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center, Burns Lake is a small campground that offers peace and quiet.

This is a backcountry campground in Bear Island Unit. It is only accessible by foot or with a permitted off-road vehicle.

Hiking within Big Cypress can be along designated trails, or orienteering through unmarked territory. Hikers should be prepared for conditions depending on the season . The dry season provides the most comfortable hiking conditions. The wet season has its unique challenges, and hikers should be prepared for tromping through water that in places can be waist deep. During either season rewards can be many - quietly watching an otter eat a fish, feeling the wind rustling your hair, discovering tropical blooms or happening upon a bear track. During hunting seasons it is recomended that all people going in to the backcountry of the Preserve wear a lightweight, blaze orange vest. You may purchase these at any local sporting goods store. Click here for a short video on hiking safely in the Preserve.

Hiking in the Backcountry If you plan on traveling into the backcountry be sure to inform a friend or family member of your itinerary, expected time/date of return and how to contact the National Park Service in case of an emergency. Once in the backcountry you have the ability to explore the wild beauty of the swamp but you should be aware of changing weather conditions and carry proper equipment for your exploration. You need : compass, maps, GPS, water, sun block and insect repellent.

The Florida National Scenic Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve The Florida National Scenic Trail stretches about 1,400 miles from Gulf Islands National Seashore to Big Cypress National Preserve. The southernmost section of the trail is within the National Preserve. The southern terminus of the trail begins at the Oasis Visitor Center and stretches northward for approximately 36 miles to the Preserve's northern border. The northernmost section of the trail is within Gulf Islands National Seashore. It begins at Fort Pickens and runs parallel to the coastline for 7 miles before exiting the park, then reentering in the Santa Rosa area of the National Seashore for another 7 miles.

The trail passes through a variety of habitat types including beaches, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, prairies and cypress. There are several backcountry campsites located along the trail.

During the dry season (November-April), there may be very little to no water along the trail. Hikers need to pack in their own water.

This trail is moderately strenuous. Footing can be difficult and during the rainy season, the trail can be heavily vegetated and overgrown. Portions of the trail can be under water at certain times of year. Water can be as deep as 3 to 4 feet.

Several portions of the trail require hiking along the highway, up to 40 miles or more depending on the route chosen by the traveler. There are two sections where hikers may take an east or west route depending on personal preference and hiking ability. Be prepared with permits and clothing for drastic changes in temperature and weather pattern.

For trail conditions and more information on hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail, visit the Florida Trails Association website!

For interactive maps and additional information visit the U.S. Forest Service website!

Downloadable Files You may download .kml ( Google Earth ) and .gdb (Garmin Map Source) files of hiking trails on this page. You may want to download the Google Earth program to view these files. Additionally, you can down load GPS Bable which allows you to convert .kml files to an appropriate file for you GPS unit. Refrences to non-U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) products do not constitute endorsement by the DOI. By viewing the Google Maps on this page the user agrees to these terms set forth by Google .

Deep Lake Trail is accessible from Highway 29 on the western edge of the Preserve. If you are coming from Highway 41, you'll make a left-hand turn at the Carnestown light and travel straight until you see a tall fence with a brown sign that says, "Deep Lake Entrance". There is an NPS gate that may be open or closed depending on the day. We ask that you park OUTSIDE the gate to avoid issues should our staff need to close the gates and walk through the smaller pedestrian gate! Follow the gravel road to the back left corner of the clearing and find the trail head!

This is a 1.5 mile out-and-back hike that dead-ends at Deep Lake. Along the trail you will walk mostly through our cypress strand habitat, and can expect to walk through water from June until about March. Wildflowers, native ferns, giant cypress will line your way to the lake, in addition to the various animals you may be lucky enough to spot! Both wading birds and song birds find joy here, as well as various other critters! This is a great hike for 'beginner' swamp walkers, as the trail is well-defined, and only partially underwater. Hikers can expect to see alligators in Deep Lake at the end of the hike, and occasionaly along the trail. Please be respectful of these ancient reptiles and give them plenty of space when passing on the trail. Deep Lake has historical significance in the Preserve as well! Read more about that here !