Big Cypress National Preserve
HIGHLIGHTS
Miles and miles of pristine, protected land populated by Big Cypress.
WILD SOUTH FLORIDA
Since we’re in South Florida for a few months we wanted to take the time to allow our daughter to earn a few more Junior Ranger Badges. Florida has a unique patch that can be earned if you visit Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve and complete the Junior Ranger booklets at each one. Peach has really taken to the program and Big Cypress was the last on her list so we made a day trip to check this box.
We spent about half a day driving down old dirt roads exploring the vast wilderness that is Big Cypress. Two areas comprise the main scenic routes, the Loop Road Scenic Drive and Turner River, Upper Wagonwheel and Birdon
Road Loop Drive. We found the Loop Road Scenic Drive to be the most enjoyable, however, if you are one for OHV trails the Turner route has literally miles of trails you can enjoy.
You can see the Scenic Loop drives in the map below.
Kirby Storter Roadside Park
The kid’s favorite part was the Kirby Storter Roadside Park. It’s right off the Tamiami Trail and has a long elevated boardwalk that meanders through the Big Cypress. If you’re heading to Big Cypress, make sure you check this out as it’s sure to be a highlight of your visit. Roundtrip on the boardwalk is about an hour at a leisurely pace taking time to enjoy the sounds and nature.
Loop Road Scenic Drive
The Loop Road Scenic Drive is a gravel road located in some of the most remote areas of the preserve. There was a dispute over where the Tamiami trail should be and this stretch of road was the loser. View the brochure to see the many scenic opportunities on this drive and take the advice inside and ask a ranger at the visitor center for road conditions before you drive it as it could be flooded.