Exploring the Big Cypress - Everglades Exploration Network2024-03-29T02:33:27Zhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/categories/exploring-the-big-cypress/listForCategory?feed=yes&xn_auth=noBig Cypress Trail mapstag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2023-10-22:2541133:Topic:1578412023-10-22T22:34:47.671Zyakmasterhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/yakmaster
<p>I used to have the Big Cypress off road trail maps for garmin and KML that i downloaded off the website.</p>
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<p>The website link is gone. Anybody have those old KMLs and GPX or GDBs?</p>
<p>I used to have the Big Cypress off road trail maps for garmin and KML that i downloaded off the website.</p>
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<p>The website link is gone. Anybody have those old KMLs and GPX or GDBs?</p> Through Biking Big Cypress MM 70 on 75 to Monroe Stationtag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2017-04-15:2541133:Topic:741502017-04-15T02:04:24.634Zshawn beightolhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/shawnbeightol
<p>Through Biking Big Cypress MM 70 on 75 to Monroe Station</p>
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<p>A buddy and I just biked MM 70 to Monroe station. We did it in about 10 hours split over 2 days, hammock camped. Sandy, rocky, but dry. Had to dig a hole at a willow tree to find water...prefiltered 2X through 4 layers of mosquito net and kerchief.<br></br><br></br>And there were legal ways of getting around the closed areas. But thanks for thinking of that ; )…<br></br></p>
<p>Through Biking Big Cypress MM 70 on 75 to Monroe Station</p>
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<p>A buddy and I just biked MM 70 to Monroe station. We did it in about 10 hours split over 2 days, hammock camped. Sandy, rocky, but dry. Had to dig a hole at a willow tree to find water...prefiltered 2X through 4 layers of mosquito net and kerchief.<br/><br/>And there were legal ways of getting around the closed areas. But thanks for thinking of that ; )<br/><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866525207?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866525207?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866527014?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866527014?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866528016?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866528016?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p> Tarpon Laketag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2015-04-26:2541133:Topic:659872015-04-26T21:56:40.663ZRichardhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/Richard
<p>Made it out to Tarpon lake in the Big Cypress addition lands today. For anyone who hasn't tried this hike it's a 60 foot deep sinkhole located about a 6 mile round trip down a buggy trail from mile marker 51 off 75. The buggy trail is just a short hop off the levee road and it's an easy half day hike to a pretty awesome little oasis in the woods.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520685?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="374" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520685?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="540"></img></a> Buggy trail leading to…</p>
<p>Made it out to Tarpon lake in the Big Cypress addition lands today. For anyone who hasn't tried this hike it's a 60 foot deep sinkhole located about a 6 mile round trip down a buggy trail from mile marker 51 off 75. The buggy trail is just a short hop off the levee road and it's an easy half day hike to a pretty awesome little oasis in the woods.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520685?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520685?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" height="374" width="540"/></a>Buggy trail leading to Tarpon lake.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521056?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521056?profile=original" height="406" width="542"/></a>Tarpon lake</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521154?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521154?profile=original" width="640"/></a></p>
<p></p> Big Cypress - Wetlands restoration projecttag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2015-02-23:2541133:Topic:650322015-02-23T00:58:57.526ZRichardhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/Richard
<p>Was driving down Birdon Rd and came across this sign. They've bulldozed roads through the woods and have also bulldozed sections along the canal. Looking at the satellite it appears that they are clearing the old roads? Does anyone have info they can share on this project? There are also burns going on in the area.…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866524189?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866524189?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="318"></img></a></p>
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<p>Was driving down Birdon Rd and came across this sign. They've bulldozed roads through the woods and have also bulldozed sections along the canal. Looking at the satellite it appears that they are clearing the old roads? Does anyone have info they can share on this project? There are also burns going on in the area.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866524189?profile=original"><img width="318" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866524189?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="318"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866535283?profile=original"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866535283?profile=original" height="403" width="538"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866535612?profile=original"><img width="538" class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866535612?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="538"/></a></p>
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<p></p> Beginner's question: backpacking and campingtag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-11-23:2541133:Topic:639132014-11-23T15:33:21.495ZGary Mhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/GaryM
<p>So, the truth is I am not a beginner at camping. I've been doing it all my life, and for the last few decades mostly out of a canoe.</p>
<p>With winter approaching, when the winds howl and the water temperature drops, the fishing goes to crap, but it is when I really like to go camping.</p>
<p>This site and the descriptions of some of the trails has me thinking I might like to hike out somewhere and spend the night. So I got a backpack, and I have a bunch of camping gear... but I'm a bit…</p>
<p>So, the truth is I am not a beginner at camping. I've been doing it all my life, and for the last few decades mostly out of a canoe.</p>
<p>With winter approaching, when the winds howl and the water temperature drops, the fishing goes to crap, but it is when I really like to go camping.</p>
<p>This site and the descriptions of some of the trails has me thinking I might like to hike out somewhere and spend the night. So I got a backpack, and I have a bunch of camping gear... but I'm a bit spoiled by having all that space in the canoe. </p>
<p>So, my first question is, what are the essentials to pack; what are the extras that are worth their weight; and how do you get all that into a backpack?</p>
<p>And my second question is if anyone has a suggestion as to where to go. Years ago (too many to remember what I took) I hiked the main tram through the Fakahatchee Strand, spent the night and retraced my way out. I was thinking that might be my first shot. Any other suggestions?</p> Bear Island for Eight Months.tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-08-24:2541133:Topic:635452014-08-24T16:45:40.293ZSwamp Hunterhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/Dale
<p> There has been some recent discussion about going into the swamps in the Summer. Well I have been camping in the Big Cypress for over 35 years every August and September to prepare for archery season. In my opinion these 2 months are the worst. The only relief is the heavy rains. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520787?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520787?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>I no longer bow hunt and I dont use a tent much anymore. I am camping/living in my 13…</p>
<p> There has been some recent discussion about going into the swamps in the Summer. Well I have been camping in the Big Cypress for over 35 years every August and September to prepare for archery season. In my opinion these 2 months are the worst. The only relief is the heavy rains. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520787?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520787?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>I no longer bow hunt and I dont use a tent much anymore. I am camping/living in my 13 foot Scotty at Bear Island for eight months for my work. Thats 8 months in paradise folks! Here are a few pics of my little antique camper at the campsite 7 miles in from the gate pictured at the end of Turner River Road.. I need to make some shade. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521004?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521004?profile=original" width="352" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866537108?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866537108?profile=original" width="711" class="align-full"/></a></p>
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<p></p> Can you identify this structure? - Robert's Lake Strandtag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-08-04:2541133:Topic:634802014-08-04T02:12:28.786ZRichardhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/Richard
<p>Does anyone know what this structure is? It appears to be a cage anchored to the ground. You've probably seen it along the Florida Trail inside Robert's Lake Strand. I couldn't quite figure it out and I found it strange that it's been left out there.…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520628?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520628?profile=original" width="432"></img></a></p>
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<p>Does anyone know what this structure is? It appears to be a cage anchored to the ground. You've probably seen it along the Florida Trail inside Robert's Lake Strand. I couldn't quite figure it out and I found it strange that it's been left out there.</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520628?profile=original"><img class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520628?profile=original" width="432"/></a></p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520807?profile=original"><img width="750" class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866520807?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"/></a></p> Visiting Bear Island/Platt Island Indian Mounds and Hiking the Northern (Abandoned) Tomato Fieldstag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-04-06:2541133:Topic:609322014-04-06T14:50:33.062Zshawn beightolhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/shawnbeightol
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57808"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57810"></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57807">Bear Island: Platt Indian Mounds Exploration, Tomato Fields Hike</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57812"><span> </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57815"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57814">Taken in Jerome, Florida…</span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57808"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57810"></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57807">Bear Island: Platt Indian Mounds Exploration, Tomato Fields Hike</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57812"><span> </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57815"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57814">Taken in Jerome, Florida</span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57820"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57819">David Denham of FTA and I Re"Discover" the Platt Island Indian Mounds (reality is that land users have probably long visited these sites as they seem to be Indian constructed habitation mounds to live/camp on above the OK Slough Waters, thus practical camping sites for ranchers and hunters for hundreds of years). </span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57825"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57824">Denham ID'd them off the old Topo maps and then we hiked in, eventually using ancient oak trees that would grow on the high ground to locate the mounds.</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57828"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57827">North of this were the old tomato fields, probably from the 40's forward, abandoned when the park service took over what was to become Big Cypress from the farmers and ranchers back in the 70's. Side Note: this take over was done mostly with land owners' support with the understanding that the National Park System would allow traditional recreation (horseback riding, buggy hunting and fishing, etc) on this land that was to serve as a buffer to the southerly Everglades National Park. Let's hope the Feds keep their word.</span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57834"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396518920758_57833">Full hikes combined with the bike portage between was approximately 9 miles. Note: The Tomato fields were NOT easy to hike as they were underwater and overgrown with willow, swamp apple and sawgrass between raised beds (E-W lines). These raised beds were overgrown with palmetto, oak, and all manner of other hardwoods. We hiked from 8 AM until 4 PM.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521597?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521597?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866526755?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866526755?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></span>Mother Turkey Guarding her Clutch of Eggs</div>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866527388?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866527388?profile=original" width="720" class="align-full"/></a></div>
<div>"Busting a hump," cramping a calf...</div> Through Hiking The Big Cypress National Preserve: Tamiami Trail to Alligator Alley ADVENTURE!tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-04-03:2541133:Topic:607152014-04-03T15:08:34.955ZFlex Kayakfari.comhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/029
<p style="text-align: center;">.<br></br>from <a href="http://www.awakenthegrass.com">www.awakenthegrass.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(click pic)</p>
<p><a href="http://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/tamiami-trail-to-alligator-alley-the-hard-way-through-hiking-the-big-cypress-national-preserve/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://awakenthegrass.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/florida-trail-awakenthegrass-big-cypress-through-hike-13.jpg?w=750"></img></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hiking Florida’s Winter Wonderland in Big Cypress!…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.<br/>from <a href="http://www.awakenthegrass.com">www.awakenthegrass.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(click pic)</p>
<p><a href="http://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/tamiami-trail-to-alligator-alley-the-hard-way-through-hiking-the-big-cypress-national-preserve/" target="_blank"><img src="http://awakenthegrass.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/florida-trail-awakenthegrass-big-cypress-through-hike-13.jpg?w=750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hiking Florida’s Winter Wonderland in Big Cypress!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/tamiami-trail-to-alligator-alley-the-hard-way-through-hiking-the-big-cypress-national-preserve/">http://kayakfari.wordpress.com/2014/04/03/tamiami-trail-to-alligator-alley-the-hard-way-through-hiking-the-big-cypress-national-preserve/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</p> Hike Saturday March 29 from MM 70 (I75) to Bundschu Gradetag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2014-03-27:2541133:Topic:606872014-03-27T23:18:55.369Zshawn beightolhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/shawnbeightol
<p>I'm working on a bikeable route from Lake Okeechobee to Flamingo as backcountry as possible. I've got about 90% charted (60% scouted). Its ~210 miles. Planning on doing it next Spring Break (interested?).</p>
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<p>Anyway, one possible part of the route involves getting from Bundschu to mm 70, then crossing I75 to the south mm70 entry to Turner River unit (concho billies to monument trails).</p>
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<p>I plan on hiking roughly toward Charlie Cypress camp then diagonally ne along…</p>
<p>I'm working on a bikeable route from Lake Okeechobee to Flamingo as backcountry as possible. I've got about 90% charted (60% scouted). Its ~210 miles. Planning on doing it next Spring Break (interested?).</p>
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<p>Anyway, one possible part of the route involves getting from Bundschu to mm 70, then crossing I75 to the south mm70 entry to Turner River unit (concho billies to monument trails).</p>
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<p>I plan on hiking roughly toward Charlie Cypress camp then diagonally ne along what looks like a fence line or buggy trail (see attached). Lunch at Bundschu then turn around and come back same route OR come on south down Bundschu toward Charlie Billie Camp then West to retrace final portion of route.</p>
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<p>Total hike is 10 miles, either way, 5-6 hrs.</p>
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<p>Let me know if you are interested.</p>
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<p>Shawn<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521009?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2866521009?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>