Congress set aside about 45 percent of the Big Cypress Swamp in 1974 as a national preserve. Its wild country is protected, but certain preexisting human uses, not allowed in most national park areas are permitted to continue. Hunting and off-road-vehicle use continue, as do oil and gas exploration and cattle grazing. Also, several land owners maintain homes and cabins on private property. Humans continue to use and enjoy the area but with extra planning and care to assure minimal impacts. Expanded in 1988, the Preserve totals 729,000 acres.

Hunting

Plants, animals, and other features are generally protected against collection and injury. Yet, hunting, fishing, and trapping of game animals are permitted under federal and state regulations managed by the National Park Service and the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Special Florida Game Management Area regulations apply in the Preserve. For more information on hunting, contact the Visitor Center.

Off-road Vehicle Use

All off-road vehicles including swamp buggies, airboats and ATVs must have a permit from the National Park Service for off-road travel in the Preserve. Obtain permits at the Visitor Center. Information about areas and trails open for off-road vehicle use, vehicle requirements and regulations are provided with permits. The terrain makes off-road travel hazardous for vehicles not designed for this purpose.

Hiking

The Preserve includes 31 miles of the Florida Trail, a national scenic trail. Here it passes through varied vegetation. Hikers should be prepared for wet areas, from ankle to waist deep in the rainy season. There are 2 primitive campsites but no potable water on the trail. A short nature trail explains the Preserve's plants and animals. The Tree Snail Hammock Nature Trail is across from the Interpretive Center on Rt 94, the Loop Road Scenic Drive.

Camping

Nine campgrounds are available, but with no water or facilities. All allow tent camping; most accommodate motor homes. A dump station with potable water can be found at the Dona Drive campground.

Other Preserve Activities

Other activities people enjoy in the Preserve include fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. Contact the Visitor Center for more information.

From car windows winter visitors easily view birds and alligators in roadside canals where wildlife congregates during seasonal low water. The Loop Road Scenic Drive affords leisurely passage through different plant habitats for viewing such hard-to-see animals as deer and otter. This 26-mile, single-lane road with unimproved surface is open to 2-wheel-drive vehicles. The road is passable year round but watch for pot holes and water flowing over the road.

Canals along U.S. 41 attract wading birds; alligators sun themselves along the rocky banks. Parking along the highway is hazardous. If you stop, pull completely off the road and do not obstruct traffic. Pedestrians take care; vehicles travel the road at high speeds.

Turner River Road and Birdon Road form a U-shaped, 17-mile drive through mostly open grass prairie dotted with slash pine and bald-cypress. This graded-dirt drive is ideal for viewing wildflowers in the prairies and along canals.

Several poisonous snakes live in the Preserve. With all other animals, they are protected; do not harm them. Snakes are found almost anywhere in the Preserve, so watch where you walk, sit, and reach. Hikers note; poison ivy and poison wood are found in the hammocks.

Wildfires pose a danger all year but especially in the drier winter and spring seasons. Please help to prevent careless wildfires. Never discard burning materials or leave campfires unattended. Use extreme caution when driving off the improved roadways because hot catalytic converters can ignite fires. Uncontrolled fires can endanger lives, property, and resources.

See a preserve ranger for a complete list of regulation and safety guidelines for visiting the preserve.

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