Hiking Big Cypress

“We're planning on hiking Big Cypress in Florida Christmas week.

Would like any info anyone has on conditions to expect, any special equipment we should take, and whether three days is enough time to allow for hiking the Big Cypress Trail South.

Thanks”

“Florida hugh?
Take a sack of granola bars and a hammock.”

“Well, more than likely it will still be wet, so bear that in mind. But it really depends on how much rain falls for he rest of the year. You can calll the Everglades park and they will give you the number for the Cypress headquarters and they'll tell you about the trail conditions. GORP's Website has a good article on a Cypress hike that was done in the first week of Dec., so check it out if you get a chance. 3 days should be plenty of time for the trail on-way south. You'll need to have a car on each end though. I did the hike in Feb. this year. It was very dry though. I did have to bring all my water in though, dont' know what it would be like if it was wet though. Cool hike, strange terrain, looked at times like an African plain. But I enjoyed it. Don't know how much I'd like it had it been wet though. Hope this helps.”

“I was there 2 New Year Eve's ago. The temperatures ranger from 70s to 80sF during the day, and 40s and 50sF at night. Wasn't hiking though, so that's all I could tell ya that may help.”

“Fasttimes, I'm confused about your one-way comment.

I thought the trail was a loop? That's the way it's described in "A Hiking Guide to the Trails of Florida."

Has this changed since the book was published?”

“The "loop" requires using a poorly maintained trail. From what I understand, it can be very difficult to follow. You'd prolly be better off staying on the main trail, and double back to return to the trailhead.

I've spent two of my last three Xmas vacations in South FL/Keys. I was intent on doing an in-and-out hike (from the Big Cypress visitor's center, Hwy 41) on both trips, but the conditions were too wet - for me, anyhoo. The first year (1999), the ranger told me to expect waist-deep water in some places. The next year, there was about the same amount of water everywhere, so I didn't bother to stop and inquire. I will make yet another effort this year.

Three days would allow adequate time to get a taste of the trail between US 41 and I-75 (I assume this is where you have in mind). You could lollygag the first two days, then beeline out the third.

IF I make it there again this year, it, too, will be during Xmas week...
mebbe I'll see you there.
(I'll be the hansom gentleman with the perty dog).”

“Yeah, the trail is pretty much just a straight line between US 41 and I-75. There is a smaller loop that you could do, but it's basically just brings you around back to where you left the main trail.”

“gojo,

What dates are you planning on being there? Maybe we can connect and set up a car ferry deal?”

“Televanian forcometry venduals!”

“Huh?”

“I'm not sure exactly when I would arrive. Prolly around the 27th.”

“We're going to arrive in S. Florida on the 23, spend a few days with Mom, then start hiking on the 26th.

We're now considering a serious of in-and-outs, rather than attempting the whole trail in one bite. If the loop trail, in fact, is non-maintained, this would make the most sense with only one vehicle.”

“My trip would be north from the visitors center, then back out. I'd only do a one-niter.”

“Let's stay in touch on this. That might work for us, too”

“10-4”