Hiking the Florida Trail-Big Cypress North Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Jan 3, 2026; 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM  (Eastern)

Organized By: Broward County Group

Location: 5W9C+RX, Ochopee, FL 34141, USA

Map | Directions

8 Mile Hike in Big Cypress National Preserve- Florida Trail Big Cypress North section. Saturday, January 3, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Leaders:
Karina Arango Mobile: 954-610-3372, Email: karinasierraleader@gmail.com
Daniel Arango Mobile: 954-709-0429, Email: danielsierraleader@gmail.com
Big Cypress Preserve is north of Everglades National Park on the western side of the peninsula, and is home to alligators, Florida panthers, flocks of wading birds and dozens of other creatures great and small. 

We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Collier County Rest Area which is on 1-75 near mile marker 63. There is a parking lot right outside the trail head. We will be hiking the Florida National Scenic Trail NORTH. 

The full hike is about 8 miles should take about 5 hours, including a rest for lunch. Attached is the map of the trail- we will be following the yellow cross trail. 

What to bring:

• Reusable water bottle (at least 16oz)
• Packed lunch
• Wear light-weight sun-protected clothing
• Hat, comfortable walking shoes 
• Sunscreen, insect repellent
• Sunglasses, camera, binoculars
• Walking sticks for uneven & wet ground

We will be hitting the orange blazes on a beautiful section of the Florida Trail, which in total runs more than 1,500 miles, crossing more than 100 partner land management units within the state. Traveling north from the I-75 trailhead, we enter Big Cypress north. This far dryer section of the trail in the Preserve follows Nobles Grade road while allowing beautiful swamp views. We will take the trail up to the Carpenter Camp Loop, blazed in blue, and take the main trail back to the trailhead; in total a 8 mile hike. Backcountry permits are required for day use of this area, and Jordan will have multiple on hand. They are free of charge.

This is a mostly flat path, alternating between gravel, grass, and dried mud.  There are portions with some shade, but it is mostly open to the sun.  Along the way, you will pass through open grass plains, cypress domes, and burned-out forest.  There is a wide variety of plants and animals to view along the way.  In short, this is a peaceful look at everything the Everglades has to offer.

We can relax at a pavilion and wash up at the bathrooms at the rest area. We will have snacks and drinks, and then head back to our cars.



 

Level: Strenuous

Cost: Free to all who wish to join!

Bring: Refillable water bottle- at least 16oz. Sun protection, long sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes. Sunscreen, insect repellent. Sunglasses, camera, binoculars. Walking sticks for uneven ground & wet ground.

More info