TOP 20 Best Big cypress wildlife viewing in Florida

Big Tree Park - Cross Seminole Trailhead is a picturesque park and tourist attraction located in Longwood, Florida. The park is home to the iconic Senator, one of the oldest and largest cypress trees in the world. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail, providing a perfect starting point for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, bike, or jog through the stunning Florida landscape. With its towering trees and peaceful atmosphere, Big Tree Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Big Cypress National Preserve, located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida, is a vast park and tourist attraction dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Big Cypress Swamp. This preserve plays a crucial role in supporting the health of the neighboring Everglades and the marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Covering over 729,000 acres, Big Cypress National Preserve is home to a diverse range of tropical and temperate plant communities, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife including the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can explore the preserve through swamp tours, ranger chats, and canoe rendezvous, gaining a deeper understanding of this important ecosystem.

Bear Island Big Cypress National Preserve is a campground and lodging facility located at 10800 Florida 29 in Immokalee, Florida, United States. This park offers a rare opportunity to witness a complete solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, as well as a variety of physical activities and adventures on Park Rx Day. Visitors can also share their personal connections with park places and apply for summer internships and academic programs. With a Trip Planning Guide available, visitors can prepare for a fun and safe vacation in this beautiful park. National parks like Bear Island Big Cypress offer onsite field trips, distance learning, and in-class curriculums, making them America's largest classrooms. Join the conversation on official National Park Service social media channels and explore the park through multimedia resources such as photos, videos, webcams, and audio files. The national park community welcomes all visitors to celebrate and preserve these special places for future generations.

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, located at 12085 SR 29 South in Immokalee, Florida, is a vital sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the endangered Florida Panther and its natural habitat. While most of the refuge is not open to the public, there are still opportunities to appreciate the beauty and importance of this area. Situated within a network of protected lands in South Florida, the refuge plays a crucial role in preserving the wildlife corridor for the Florida Panther. It is surrounded by other conservation areas like Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, and Picayune Strand State Forest.

Located at 52105 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida, the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center is a must-visit tourist attraction and travel agency. This institution showcases the importance of the Big Cypress Swamp in maintaining the health of the neighboring Everglades and supporting marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. With over 729,000 acres of preserved land, visitors can explore a diverse range of plant communities and wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther. At the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center, you can participate in swamp tours, attend ranger chats, and join canoe rendezvous to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the area. Whether you're interested in camping, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, this visitor center provides all the information you need to plan your next adventure in Big Cypress National Preserve.

Located in Naples, Florida, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is a popular tourist attraction within the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. As the largest state park in Florida, Fakahatchee is known for its unique plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the continental United States. Visitors to the park can explore the wilderness and enjoy activities such as hiking along the cleared tram roads that were created during the land's logging days. The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk is one of the main use areas within the park, offering a scenic and peaceful walk through the stunning natural surroundings.

Mitchell Landing at Big Cypress National Preserve is a picturesque campground and lodging facility located in Ochopee, Florida. Situated within the stunning natural beauty of the preserve, this institution offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Whether you're pitching a tent, staying in a cabin, or simply exploring the park, Mitchell Landing provides a peaceful and serene setting for a relaxing getaway. With its scenic views, diverse wildlife, and endless recreational opportunities, this tourist attraction is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Come experience the beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve at Mitchell Landing.

Big Cypress Institute is a park located at 25959 Turner River Road, Ochopee, Florida, United States. The institute offers nature programs and tours in the Big Cypress National Preserve, allowing visitors to explore and be surprised by the vast preserved ecosystem. As a non-profit partnership between the Florida National Parks Association and Big Cypress National Preserve, the institute's mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through educational exposure to Big Cypress. Visitors can also visit sister institutes in Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. The park offers a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, panthers, deer, and more. With beautiful sunsets, cypress and mangrove swamps, and vast grasslands, Big Cypress Institute provides a unique and educational experience for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of South Florida.

Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Deep Lake Unit is a sprawling park located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This institution is dedicated to preserving and protecting the diverse wildlife and natural habitats found in the area. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscapes, observe a variety of native species, and learn about the importance of conservation efforts. The park offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Florida wilderness.

The Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Turner River Unit is a sprawling park and wildlife sanctuary located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This institution offers visitors the chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of the area, including wetlands, forests, and marshes. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and other native species. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in this pristine natural setting. The Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Turner River Unit is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Big Cypress National Preserve - Loop Unit is a stunning natural oasis located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This park offers visitors the chance to explore the diverse wildlife and lush landscapes of the Big Cypress National Preserve. With its winding trails and picturesque views, the Loop Unit is the perfect place for nature lovers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Florida Everglades. Whether you're looking to spot alligators, birds, or other native wildlife, this park is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Come and explore the wonders of the Big Cypress National Preserve - Loop Unit today!

The Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Stairsteps Unit is a stunning park and zoo located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This institution offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Florida's wildlife up close. With sprawling landscapes and carefully curated exhibits, guests can observe a wide variety of native species in their natural habitats. From majestic birds to playful otters, the Stairsteps Unit is a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages. Come explore and learn about the incredible wildlife that calls this area home.

Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Bear Island Unit is a sprawling nature preserve located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This institution is a park and zoo combined, offering visitors the chance to observe and interact with a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat. The Bear Island Unit is known for its diverse array of flora and fauna, including black bears, panthers, alligators, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can explore the park's extensive trail system, which winds through lush mangrove forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Loop Road Scenic Drive, located in Ochopee, Florida, offers a unique opportunity to explore the real beauty of Big Cypress National Preserve. This tourist attraction allows visitors to immerse themselves in the swampy landscapes and diverse ecosystems that make up the preserve. Both roads are accessible to any passenger vehicle, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. As you travel along the 27-mile loop, you will encounter dwarf cypress forests, pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and stunning scenery that has been captured in countless photographs. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, but remember to maintain a safe distance of at least 25 feet and never approach alligators. It is important to respect the wildlife and private property rights of residents along the drive.

The Florida Trail - Southern Terminus is located in Ochopee, Florida, United States. This park is the starting point of the 1,300-mile long Florida Trail, which runs north to south through the state. The park offers a six-mile loop hike that provides opportunities to see birds, alligators, and other wildlife. The trail follows a canal where you can spot many different species of birds and alligators. The park also offers side trails that lead into wilderness areas with diverse terrain including prairies, pine forests, and palmetto thickets. Visitors may encounter animals such as bears, panthers, wild boars, and rattlesnakes in these areas. The park is open year-round, but during the summer the area may be underwater or muddy. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear and sun protection. The park is accessible from the I-75 rest area at Mile Marker 63, with a large parking lot available for hikers. The trail is hiker-only and bikes are not allowed. Visitors can explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the Florida Trail - Southern Terminus for a memorable outdoor experience.

Fire Prairie Trail is located in Ochopee, Florida, within the Big Cypress National Preserve. This park and tourist attraction offers a scenic hiking and biking trail through the grasslands of the Deep Lake Backcountry Unit. The trailhead is easily accessible from Turner River Road, although the road can be dusty and may require a car wash afterwards. The trail itself is flat and smooth, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The terrain transitions from forested areas to open prairie, where hikers can enjoy views of pine trees and palmetto bushes. While the scenery may not change much along the trail, it offers a peaceful and serene natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Nature Trail Tree Snail is a park located at 68 Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve in Ochopee, Florida, United States. This institution offers a rare opportunity to witness a complete solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, as well as various physical activities on Park Rx Day. Visitors can also share their personal connections with nature and participate in internship programs for the summer and upcoming academic year. Get prepared for your vacation with a Trip Planning Guide for a safe and fun adventure. National parks offer educational opportunities through onsite field trips, distance learning, and in-class curriculums. Join the conversation on the official National Park Service social media channels and explore the parks through multimedia resources. The national park community invites you to celebrate and preserve these special places for future generations.

Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Jetport Property is a sprawling park and zoo located in Jerome, Florida, United States. This institution is dedicated to the preservation and protection of local wildlife and their natural habitats. Visitors can explore the vast grounds and observe a wide variety of animals in their natural environment. The Jetport Property offers a unique opportunity to learn about the diverse ecosystems of Florida and the importance of conservation efforts. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area - Jetport Property is a must-visit destination.

Kirby Storter Roadside Park is a must-stop tourist attraction located at 48900 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida. This park offers a welcome break for travelers looking to stretch their legs and explore the natural beauty of the Big Cypress area. Named after Kirby Storter, a member of a pioneering family in the region, the park features a one-mile boardwalk trail that takes visitors through a cypress swamp and sawgrass prairie habitat. Visitors can enjoy shaded picnic areas, a vault toilet, and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, reptiles, and mammals. The highlight of the trail is the overlook at a gator hole, where you may catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. Don't forget your camera, as the boardwalk offers plenty of photo opportunities.

Welcome to Captain Steve’s Swamp Buggy Adventures located at Turner River Road in Ochopee, Florida, United States. Our eco-friendly park offers unique tours that allow you to explore various ecosystems from the safety of our elevated platform swamp buggies. We are a nature-focused institution that follows strict ethical guidelines to observe and appreciate wildlife in their natural habitat without disruption. Join us for a thrilling adventure in the Big Cypress National Preserve and experience the magic of nature responsibly. Our experienced guides will ensure a safe, educational, and entertaining tour as you explore the diverse ecosystem and possibly encounter a variety of wildlife. Book your tour now to create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Park Office/Ranger Station is located at 137 34117 Coast Line Drive in Naples, Florida, United States. This institution serves as the main entrance to the largest state park in Florida, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. The park is a popular tourist attraction known for its unique plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the continental U.S. Visitors to the park may experience slight delays entering due to maintenance at the main entrance starting March 13, 2024. The emphasis at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve is on preserving its natural character, offering visitors a wilderness to explore and enjoy. The park is divided into four main use areas, each with its own trails and attractions such as the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, East River, Jones Grade lakes, and Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.

Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades is a cozy lodging option located in the heart of Florida City, Florida. Just a short drive away from the Everglades National Park, this hotel is the perfect base for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, offering a relaxing space to unwind after a day of adventures. Guests can also enjoy amenities such as free breakfast, a swimming pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. With its convenient location and friendly staff, Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades is the ideal choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in South Florida.