This Might Be the Most Demanding Hike You Can Do in Florida

Florida may not have tall mountains and deep valleys, but we still have large swaths of wilderness that are challenging even for experienced hikers. The wildest area of the state might be its southern tip, as the vast and beautiful Everglades cover a significant part of it. This endemic ecosystem is known for its slow-moving river, and is home to swamps, cypress groves, pine rocklands, prairies, and more. To explore it, you need to be ready for mosquitoes, alligators and crocodiles, mud, and extremely high humidity. In other words, it is not for the faint of heart. 

If you’re looking for the most extreme hike in Florida, set your eyes on Big Cypress South, which is the last leg of the 1,500-mile Florida Trail. The linear path is located within the gigantic 720,000-acre Big Cypress National Preserve. Spanning 30.3 miles, the trail connects the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center to Interstate I-75. It can be done in either direction, though most people start at the visitor center in the south and make their way up north. 

To legally do the hike, you’ll need to get a backcountry permit from the park. Why all the extra paperwork? Because you’ll be in one of the most remote areas in the entire state, which makes rescue missions slow and challenging. There are no alternate paths to leave, so if you’re deep within the trail, you have no option but to complete it. The permit is also meant to discourage inexperienced hikers. In this trail, you’ll be walking in unstable mud paths, and you'll find yourself wading knee or waist-deep in the water. Even the dryer terrain can be unstable, and you’ll be hot, thirsty, and wet most of the time. 

The reward, however, makes every bit of discomfort worth it. Hikers who complete the path get to see a side of Florida that very few people ever witness. They cross peaceful ecosystems that vary widely, seeing cypress trees floating in the water, grasslands painted orange by quiet sunsets, and giant ferns covering the landscape. Wildlife viewing here is very exciting, even if it's a bit nerve-wracking. There’s a big chance of crossing paths with an alligator, and lucky hikers may even get to see a Florida panther, a Florida black bear, or different species of snakes. Birdwatching opportunities are practically guaranteed. 

Although the entire hike takes around nine to ten hours, most people tackle it in two or three days, spending the night at designated campgrounds. It's not really advisable to complete the trail in one day. The Florida heat often translates into a slower pace and more need for breaks. You also don’t want to wade in the water after sundown, as gators, snakes, and other animals are more active during this time. It’s simply better to move slowly, taking in the magic of each ecosystem that you walk through. Spending the night will give you the chance to gaze up at the stars at an International Dark Sky Place that is free from almost any light pollution. 

The Big Cypress South trail is definitely not for everyone, yet those brave enough to tackle it get to enjoy the most amazing nature adventure in Florida. If it sounds too intense for you, the state has plenty of gorgeous and easy hikes as well.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.