Big Cypress National Preserve, Hard 4x4 trail in Ochopee, FL
    Hard
    Hidden Gem

    Big Cypress National Preserve

    Ochopee, FL•Southeast

    Big Cypress National Preserve is a hard 40+ miles off-road trail near Ochopee, FL, best run December - April. The gear list marks Mud tires, 4WD required and Recovery boards as required. Experience and the recommended gear matter on hard terrain; check the gear list before you go.

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    Off-road trails through Florida's subtropical wilderness with water crossings up to 3 feet deep. Cypress swamps, saw grass prairies, and the chance to see the endangered Florida panther create the most unique off-road experience east of the Mississippi.

    Fun Facts

    #1

    Big Cypress is home to the critically endangered Florida panther, fewer than 200 remain.

    #2

    The preserve covers 729,000 acres of subtropical wilderness.

    #3

    Water levels can change dramatically between dry and wet seasons.

    Length
    40+ miles
    Elevation
    Sea level - 20 ft
    Best Season
    December - April
    Permit
    Required
    Water crossingsCypress swampsFlorida pantherSubtropical wildernessAlligator viewing

    🛞 Tires

    required
    Mud tires

    ⚙️ Drivetrain

    required
    4WD required

    🪢 Recovery

    required
    Recovery boards

    Closest campgrounds to Big Cypress National Preserve:

    Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.

    Where to Camp

    6 campgrounds within 30 miles of this trail

    Ochopee, Florida|2 mi|4 min
    NPS · Big Cypress National Preserve
    $$
    36 sites
    Season: Seasonal
    Ochopee, Florida|6 mi|10 min
    NPS · Big Cypress National Preserve
    $$
    36 sites
    Season: All Year
    ochopee, Florida|10 mi|17 min
    NPS · Big Cypress National Preserve
    $$
    Season: Seasonal
    Ochopee, Florida|11 mi|20 min
    NPS · Big Cypress National Preserve
    $$
    11 sites
    Season: Seasonal
    Ochopee, Florida|12 mi|20 min
    NPS · Big Cypress National Preserve
    $$
    4 sites
    Season: All Year
    Everglades City, Florida|19 mi|32 min
    $
    25 sites
    Season: All Year

    GPS Coordinates

    25.8512, -81.0812

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    Map of Ochopee, FL

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