The preserve is home to the ghost orchid, a rare epiphyte that lacks leaves and relies on specific mycorrhizal fungi for survival.
It contains the largest remaining stands of old-growth dwarf cypress trees in the world.
The preserve was the first National Preserve established in the United States, created in 1974 to protect the watershed.
During the early 20th century, the area was heavily logged for its old-growth bald cypress timber.
The water level in the preserve fluctuates significantly, defining the distinct dry and wet seasons of the South Florida ecosystem.
It serves as a critical corridor for the migration of various bird species along the Atlantic Flyway.
Some areas of the preserve sit at less than 10 feet above sea level, making it extremely sensitive to hydrological changes.
Big Cypress National Preserve protects 729,000 acres of diverse swamp ecosystem, serving as a vital watershed for the adjacent Everglades National Park. The preserve is a primary habitat for the endangered Florida panther, the rarest cat in the United States. Its unique landscape consists of a mix of tropical and temperate plant communities, including pine forests, hardwood hammocks, and expansive cypress strands. Hydrological flow through the preserve is essential for maintaining the health of the Ten Thousand Islands estuary. Visitors can access the preserve via the 25-mile scenic loop road or various backcountry trails. The area is a designated International Dark Sky Park, offering minimal light pollution for celestial observation. Visitors frequently encounter alligators and a wide variety of wading birds, particularly during the dry season. The preserve remains a protected unit of the National Park Service, open to the public for non-motorized and motorized recreation in designated zones.
The elevated boardwalk at Kirby Storter Roadside Park, which provides a safe vantage point into the cypress swamp.
Wear waterproof footwear or boots, as trails often involve walking through standing water or saturated soil.
Carry polarized sunglasses to better see through the water surface when searching for aquatic life.
Always carry insect repellent, as mosquitoes and biting flies are persistent throughout the year.
Venturing into the backcountry without a registered permit or proper navigation tools, as the terrain is uniform and disorienting.
Visitor centers may have reduced staffing or closures during federal holidays; access to specific backcountry trails may be restricted during peak flooding.
Maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from alligators; do not feed wildlife; pack out all trash to keep the water systems clean.
