(Keywords: Hiking, Paddling, Boating - Florida)
Big Cypress National Preserve
Featuring:
The Coastal Prairie
The
Everglades' "river of grass" provides many opportunities
for wildlife viewing. The elusive Florida Panther and its more prolific
prey, the whitetail deer, roam the open country, seeking shade among stands
of slash pine. The water from tropical rain infiltrates the sawgrass
prairie, creating rivulets and watering holes - places where alligators
participate in the food chain. Watchful wading birds roost a safe
distance above, then hazard to feast in the shallows before the dry season
forces their migration to more reliable sources of food and water.
You may be able to spot a few birds from busy roadside parks, but
viewing the more skittish creatures will require that you turn off the paved
road. Download this GPS Map to pinpoint some of the best birding locations
in Everglades.
GPS Map
- Download the free GPS Map in GPS eXchange (.gpx) file format, which can be read and transferred to your GPS using free GPS software. (The .gpx file will appear in a new window where you can File > Save as... on your computer)
GPS Map Details
File Name: everglades.gpx
File Size: 28K
Revised: 16 April 2002
Datum: WGS84
Class A1 and B1 Data
Waypoints: 31
Route and Tracks:
- Wilderness Waterway (Everglades City to Lopez River)
- Rabbit Key Pass
- Sandfly Pass
- Indian Key Pass
- "Le Mans" Backcountry Route to Picnic Key from Indian Key Pass
- Halfway Creek Canoe Trail
- Turner River (incomplete)
- Concho Billy Hiking Trail
- Sandfly Island Hiking Trail
- Canoe Trail connecting Halfway Creek and Turner River
Adventure Travel Tip
On the prairie, the bugs are downright oppressive except in Winter. Best time to go is December through February. If you can be flexible during marginal months, plan your trip after a cold front has come through. In summer, you'll go insane without a toxic slathering of DEET insect repellant. Better yet, wear a Baja Shirt and Bug Netting.
More Info
The
freshwater ecosystem of the Costal Prairie boarders with mangrove estuaries
(see links below for adjacent areas, including the Ten Thousand Islands).
The difference between these adjoining habitats is only a few inches of
elevation. In the dry season, wildlife will be concentrated around sources
of water. Man-made canals along roads have disrupted the natural flow,
artificially creating habitats easy to view. Pull-outs along the Turner
River Canal Road 839 are an excellent location to spot Ibis, Anhinga, and
Wood Stork hanging out along the Turner River Canal. For a more adventure,
take a hike on the Concho Billy Trail.
If you don't already have one, The Sibley Guide to Birds is an excellent resource.
The Everglades presents unique hazards to those who endeavor to trek through the sawgrass. Did you know that you are more likely to be killed by fire ants than attacked by a panther or alligator? Consider a naturalist led hike or paddling trip. Their knowledge of local species and trail conditions will make for a more fulfilling experience.
For a full-service outfitter, I recommend North American Canoe Tours. Operated in conjunction with Ivey House Bed 'n' Breakfast in Everglades City, NACT provides kayak and canoe rentals, naturalist-guided tours, shuttle service, and private boat launch in addition to first rate accommodations. (They don't pay me a commission for this link, but if you make a reservation, please say you heard about them through the Travel by GPS web site anyway.)
The vast majority of the Everglades' coastal prairie lies within the boundaries of Big Cypress National Park. For more info, rules and regulations regarding please these areas, see:
Big Cypress National Park http://www.nps.gov/bicy/
Adjacent GPS Maps:
Everglades Coastal Marsh; Paddling through Mangrove Tunnels
Everglades Ten Thousand Islands; Oceanv View Sunsets, a days paddle from Everglades City.
