BIG CYPRESS NATIONAL PRESERVE
Ochopee, FL
Description
The Preserve is host to a variety of natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Here you will find a mixture of pines, hardwoods and prairies mixed with palm trees, mangrove and orchids. White-tailed deer, bear and Florida panther can be found in the same areas as the more tropical Florida tree snail, Cape Sable seaside sparrow and roseate spoonbill. Hydrologically, the Preserve serves as a supply of fresh, clean water for the vital estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands area. Culturally, the Preserve has served as home and refuge to many people throughout time including the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and the Seminole Tribes and the early Florida settlers. The Preserve offers many recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, off road vehicle use (by permit only) and bird watching.
Contact Information
By Mail
HCR 61, Box 110
Ochopee, FL 34141
By Phone
Headquarters
239-695-2000
Visitor Information
239-695-1201 By Fax 239-695-3901
Operating Hours & Seasons
The Preserve is open year around, 24 hours a day. The visitor center is open daily except December 25, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Getting There
Plane
Miami International Airport services the area from the east coast, Ft. Myers International Airport from the west coast.
Car
I-75, state road 29, and U.S. 41 all travel through the preserve
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation within the Preserve.
Getting Around
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.
ACTIVITIES
Backpacking, Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Interpretive Programs, Kayaking, Nature Walks, Bicycling, Canoeing, Picnicking
CAMPING
Bear Island
Open All Year
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities.Campgrounds may close seasonally or temporarily for repairs or resource concerns. Please contact the visitor center for current campground information.Visitor Center phone number is 239-695-1201.
Burns Lake
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. Open from November 15 to January 4 only. Closed the rest of the year. Campgrounds may close seasonally or temporarily for repairs or resource concerns. Please contact the visitor center for current campground information. Visitor Center phone number is 239-695-1201.
Midway
Primitive camping with no water or rest room facilities. Open as needed during main visitor use season. Campgrounds may close seasonally or temporarily for repairs or resource concerns. Please contact the visitor center for current campground information. Visitor Center phone number is 239-695-1201. |
