Big Cypress National Preserve

As part of the Fourth Annual Florida Gay Outdoors camping adventure over the MLK weekend in January 2018, take a leisurely hike on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) in the heart of the Big Cypress National Preserve a short drive from Vitambi Springs (1HR, 49Miles). https://binged.it/2glOMIe

This planned 6+/- miler picks up the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) on the NORTH side of I75 WEST (Alligator Alley) at the rest area at MilePost 63 . The (FNST) begins 25-30 miles south of where we'll start, & continues almost 1400 miles through the state.

We'll follow the (FNST) north about a mile or so & connect with the Blue loop trail. A couple miles on the Blue trail connects to the Red trail. Another mile or so reconnects with the (FNST) & less than 2 miles back to the starting point. We expect the whole trek to wrap up by 1PM. Some may opt for a longer trek to the Yellow connector (8+ MI R/T) or the entire Blue Loop for a full day 12+ miles.

The trail starts out (and returns) on Noble road, a hard packed dirt road. The loop trails all offer ample trail and firm footing with few to no rocks or other obstacles.

A great way to see this area’s fascinating world of airplants that live on trees, fabulous orchids, and saw palmetto plants. without getting your feet wet (although there may be small sections wet & muddy depending on weather conditions), but primarily dry hiking. Alligators can be safely viewed in their natural habitat along the canal that lines Noble road. Bring and drink lots of water. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wildlife lives in the Preserve—we are the visitors. Sorry NO PETS.