Big Cypress National Preserve

The Florida Panther is one of the most iconic animals of Big Cypress
The freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of the neighboring Everglades, support the rich marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Conserving over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to diverse wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther.
Map showing location of park.
Mullet Rx Public Map
Big Cypress National Preserve Issues Temporary Area Closure for Mullet Prescribed Fire
Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary trail closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity, beginning Monday, June 9, 2025. Closure includes all portions of the Florida Trail (see below), areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, trails on the perimeter of the unit will remain open for use. During the closure all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.
Ginny & Andy Skok in the field
Volunteer Spotlight: A Duo Devoted to Florida’s Wildest Spaces
Volunteer Spotlight: A Duo Devoted to Florida’s Wildest Spaces
4 Phase Boundary Rx burn plan map
Big Cypress National Preserve Issues Amended Temporary Area Closure for Boundary Phase 1 Prescribed Fire
OCHOPEE, FL –Big Cypress National Preserve has re-issued a temporary trail closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Tuesday, February 11, 2025. The new closure includes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter however, due to changes in weather and environmental conditions, the previously planned Boundary Prescribed Fire Phase 1 treatment perimeter has been amended. During the closure, all recreational use including off-road vehicles, airboats, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.
Boundary Rx Prescribed Fire Map
Big Cypress National Preserve Issues Temporary Area Closure for Boundary Phase 1 Prescribed Fire
OCHOPEE, FL – Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary trail closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Monday, February 10, 2025. Closure includes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, as well as potential periodic closures along Loop Rd. During the closure, all recreational use including off-road vehicles, airboats, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas.
FY25 Boot Hill Rx Public Closure Map
Temporary Area Closure for Boot Hill Prescribed Fire Continues January 24, 2025, in Big Cypress National Preserve
OCHOPEE, FL – Big Cypress National Preserve has issued a temporary trail closure to promote visitor safety during prescribed fire activity beginning Friday, January 24, 2025. Closure includes all areas and trails within the treatment perimeter, trails on the perimeter of the unit will remain open for use. During the closure, all recreational use including off-road vehicles, hiking, camping, hunting and commercial activities are prohibited in the designated areas. Unlike the closure earlier this month, during this closure, all parts of the Florida National Scenic Trail will remain open.
A small alligator basking on top of dry vegetation.
Photo by NPS Photo
A water filled swamp filled with lush green ferns and trees.
Photo by NPS Photo
The milky way dominating a starry night sky over palm trees.
Photo by NPS Photo
two visitors in a canoe go through mangrove tunnels on the Turner River
Photo by NPS Photo
a Florida Panther sits in a tree
Photo by John Kellam
palm trees emerge out of the fog in an orange sunrise
Photo by Richard Eskin
A prairie foreground with tall pine trees in the background. A large blue sky with white cloud
Photo by NPS photo
Two Alligators rest on a river bank
Photo by Al Sunshine