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Big Cypress prairie ecosystem with cypress trees

South Florida

In the tip of the Florida peninsula, the prairies meet the tropics, with Florida’s largest lake, agriculture, and wilderness on a grand scale between the densely populated coasts.

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In the rural center of the southern Florida peninsula, ranches and public lands surround the high ground of the Lake Wales Ridge until you reach Lake Okeechobee.

It’s the second largest lake entirely within the United States, ringed by a flood control dike. Its shores are best seen from the 109-mile circle the Florida Trail makes around it.

Sugar cane, citrus groves, and vegetable fields add to the agricultural mix in the rich earth of the “reclaimed” Everglades of yore.

To the south of these drained lands the Everglades River of Grass and its western companion, the grand cypress strands and prairies of Big Cypress, fill the horizon.

Lily dotted swamp with prairie to the horizon beyond Everglades National Park In its 1.5 million acres sweeping across South Florida, Everglades National Park offers outdoor experiences ranging from accessible boardwalks and paved trails to rugged adventures in harsh wilderness.
Summer in Big Cypress Big Cypress National Preserve Protecting nearly three quarters of the million-acre Big Cypress Swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve is Florida's second largest and most remote wilderness.

Regional Destinations

Downtown Arcadia Arcadia
Backpacker wading through a cypress strand Big Cypress Swamp
1930s grand hotel in South Florida Clewiston
Everglades City airboat Everglades City
Agave and gardens above sweep of aqua ocean Florida Keys
Marshy shallow lake extending horizon to horizon Lake Okeechobee
Mural of birders with ferns in foreground Lake Placid
Lake Wales Ridge above Crooked Lake Lake Wales Ridge
Sunrise above silhouettes of palms and shrubs Moore Haven
Lake Okeechobee Okeechobee
Boardwalk in lush popash swamp Sebring
Ann Kolb Nature Center Southeast Florida
White sand Gulf of Mexico beach with sea oats foreground Southwest Florida

Recent Articles

Construction zone along Lake Okeechobee East or West around Lake Okeechobee? (1/8/2020) Making the decision to walk the Florida Trail east or west around Lake Okeechobee used to be easy. Now, with construction zones blocking access to much of the southern half of the lake, it isn't. Here are the facts on each route's strengths and weaknesses to help you decide the best route for you.
Dike reconstruction at Rardin Park Around Okeechobee (1/8/2020) Our 2020 update of the state of the Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee. Thru-hikers should continue to use Okeechobee West as their route around the lake. We provide full details on why.
Sandra and her gear at Southern Terminus How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip (3/19/2019) What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more
Bears opening trash can Bear season in Florida (2/23/2019) As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors - whether in your campsite or at home.

ALL South Florida Articles & Destinations

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Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail Lake Wales Ridge.

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