Hiking for the Bears in Big Cypress National Preserve Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Nov 21, 2026; 9:00 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- Standing Up for Bears. Saturday, November 21st, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Leaders:
Jay Aguilera Mobile: 954-666-2107, Email: jaycaguilera03@gmail.com
Marcelo Balladares Mobile: 786-414-4976, Email: marcelo.balladares@siearraclub.org

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 black bears. Unfortunately, all these are threatened by human activity, but none more directly than black bears. Starting in December, wrongly being undergone in the name of conservation, the FWC will allow the killing of 215 bears. Bears are intelligent and important animals and do not deserve to die for a trophy hunt. FWC commissioners moving forward with a second year of hunts is against the wants of Floridians and science-based conservation. Let's show we can co-exist with bears, enjoy their habitat, and promote ethical solutions for living side-by-side with bears. 


We will meet at 9:00 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 4 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

Our hike will take us through pristine black bear habitat and a protected area of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Black bears can utilize a home range of 120 square miles and travel hundreds of miles a day, but we will be utilizing the beautiful Florida Trail for much less traveling. Traveling north from the I-75 trailhead, we will 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. We will have to leave paper forms on our cars, which will be provided. The only facilities will be at the rest area a short drive from the trailhead.

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. Who knows what we'll see in black bear habitat!

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!

Recommended Items: 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