My Sister In Law and I, were at Big Cypress yesterday (Sept 5, 2010). Fortunately for us, we took the tour of "The Loop," starting on Loop Road, and ending at Monroe Station. (Had we entered from the Monroe Station side, we may have paid attention to the sign that reads, "Last Chance To Turn Around.)" We would have truly missed out had we.
I would be leary of attempting this trip in your car if there has been a lot of recent rain.
What a beautiful place! The deep running waters under small bridges (and once your off the paved road the bridges have no guard rails).
The wild life is plentiful, with a myriad of cypress trees submerged,and reaching for the sky. Along the route you will find some private residences, and they are that, private.
We look forward to doing it again in the near future! I wish the State of Florida would invest some money to refurbish Monroe Station.
Next time we will be better prepared and bring hip waiters so we can tour Gator Hook Trail.
This Eden is a MUST SEE!
Apr 18, 2008 Rating
You can go farther than the end of the Gator Hook Trail by: Bill Dishong
Six of us just made the trek east from the end of the Gator Hook trail to the Florida Trail which runs north from Roberts Lake Strand.
It was very wet for this time of year (March 29, 2008). We waded most of the way but it was well worth it. Saw quite a few orchids and two cottonmouths. Get out and hike and enjoy the real Florida.
Nov 28, 2007 Rating
There's no place like Big Cypress by: Anonymous
Of the wild places I have been, none is quite like Big Cypress. It's wild in a way like no other, and it keeps calling me back. Where else in Florida can you wander off trail for miles through trackless wilderness, camping pretty much whereever you wish?
This Gator Hook trail sounds like a great way to spend the day. Also sounds like a good place to take a camera. The compass advice is spot on. You can get turned around in Big Cypress before you know it. A GPS is great, but the compass back-up is essential.
Thanks for the good info. This trip gets added to my to-do list.
