33100 Tamiami Trail East
Ochopee

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This is a place of extremes. And everything in between. Want to hike in the solitude of the back country? It's here. Prefer to bring the comforts of civilization with you as get back to nature? You can do that too. The 729,000 acres of Big Cypress National Preserve offers a little bit everything. There are mangrove forests, wet prairies and cypress swamps. Of course.

Big Cypress is unique in concept. It's not a park but rather a compromise of sorts intended balance the needs of various interests, while protecting a vast natural resource from development. There aren't many places like it on the planet. There are three points along Interstate 75 where you can park and hike the back country for a few hours or a few days. Backcountry permits are required for both day and overnight use. Be prepared for wet trails, especially during summer. Entrance is free, but some activities might require a fee.

Big Cypress also can be accessed from U.S. 41 (the park boundary is west of Shark Valley), where there are visitors' centers, RV camping, boardwalks, picnic areas, canoe trails and more backcountry hiking trails and camping. The preserve is an excellent place for birding and spotting wildflowers. Manatees and shore birds are abundant in the winter months, we've been told.