Florida Trail south of Oasis

[Dennis McDonald]

Does anyone have any info on the trail? How long does it take to hike it? I am planning on going down towards the end of next month.

[Keith W]

You can hike the Florida Trail from Oasis to the trailhead on the Loop Rd in a long day. There are camping possiblities along the way, a hammock is recommended when it's wet (like now). Keep in mind that the Loop Rd is closed until at least March of next year, so there is no possbility of a vehicle shuttle to or from the Loop at that point. Tom Caldwell and Bill Dishong of the Big Cypress chapter of the Florida Trail Association are EEN members. They know the section of the trail south of Roberts Lake much better than I do.

Another alternative would be to follow the Florida Trail south to where it makes a sharp turn to the northeast at Roberts Lake.Turn southwest instead and bushwhack about 5 miles along the old logging tram to the Loop at the Gator Hook trailhead. The old double-track of the tram can still be seen at that intersection, and the entire line of the  tram is clearly visible in Google Earth. It's not so clear on the ground. The Loop is still open down to the Gator Hook turnaround. I plan on walking in either from Oasis or Gator Hook and do some hammock camping along the tram sometime during the week of Dec 17-24. If I can arrange a shuttle from Oasis I'd like to hike the entire tram line from Gator Hook to Oasis and camp overnight.

[Dennis McDonald]

Thanks for the info We use hammocks so that is not a problem. Maybe if we are down at the same time we can work out some kind of shuttle..I was looking at google earth and saw the old tram road that may be fun. Is that area off limits to hunting? I thought I saw that somewhere.  We are thinking of doing some hiking and then doing kayaking. I read an article about a group canoeing through Big Cypress it sounds like fun but it would depend on the water levels. Anyone have any info on being able to canoe in Big Cypress other than Turner River. In the article it sounded like they put in somewhere on loop road and just headed south. Thanks again

[yakmaster]

 

The launch you describe sounds like Mitchells Landing. It's an airboat launch (keep an eye & ear out for them, & make yourself visible to them) but can be used by paddlecraft, especially in high water. The water levels may still be good when you come down. In any case the shallowest part is the very beginning. If you drag your boat for the 1st quarter mile (the bottom is good for walking) you reach deeper water & can paddle a good ways through the grass. But it is tough going.

 

West of the turner, you can go out of Chockoloskeee bay or staying on 41 you can do the East River (unmarked) or Halfway creek (behind the new Welcome Center).  On Halfway, the beginning is canal, but then it goes back to the original streambed, or you can go left through the cut in the levy & go play in the grass. East of the Turner, you can do the L-28 or the L-67, both are cut canals, but have plenty of nature. 

[Dennis McDonald]

Thanks Mitchells Landing is looking like a good place to go. Is camping allowed since we are looking for a multi day trip.? I have been looking at Google Earth and think we may hike south from oasis then spend the night at a campground. Are the campgrounds on loop road opened?Also what are the airboats doing out in the swamp? Is it just a place to go ride or are they hunting? Would this be a trip for a canoe or a kayak? 

Kieth is that a glades skiff like in gladesmen?

[yakmaster]

I defer to Keith or Bill as to the hike.

 

Mitchells does have an official campsite and there are campsites in the grass as you paddle out ( http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/upload/07272011-SSU-Map-lr.pdf ).

 

The airboaters ride anyways...and in the season they hunt. However, lately, much of the stairsteps is closed to hunting due to declining deer populations.

 

I'm primarily a kayaker, but there is no problem with canoes down there. Only problem is when the water gets low...and that's an equal opportunity problem...the better it is for hiking, the worse for paddling...and vice versa.

[Dennis McDonald]

Thanks I found that map after I posted.

We hiked from 75 south to Oasis last year.  We were thinking about doing the short hike so we still had time to get in some canoeing/kayaking. It has been two years since we did a trip for more than 1 night in the boats. 

We  were thinking the canoes would be easier if we had to get in and out. Also visibility in a canoe is a little better and you can stand up.

I saw that zone 4 is closed to hunting, so that probably means a little less airboat traffic

. I have been reading some of the trip reports from you and Keith. Man you guys get around. I have been to alligator creek numerous times and Big Cypress a few times. I wish I lived closer.

[Dennis McDonald]

Any current water level info for Mitchells Landing and south. We are heading down in a couple hours. Hopefully there is enough water in the morning. Thanks

[Keith W]

There was plenty of water a week ago. I camped in 16 inches of water on Roberts Lakes tram. If you're taking a canoe or kayak on the airboat trails I strongly recommend flying a flag so you are visible to the airboats. There have been recent incidents of near-collisions between airboats and paddle craft out of Mitchells. Remember that these trails are first and foremost airboat trails, not canoe trails, and it is your responsibility to make yourself visible to them.

Mitchells campground was busy when I left. You may have trouble finding a spot on New Years weekend.

I'm probably talking to the air here, since you have already left for your trip, unless you can get this website on your smartphone. Let us know how it worked out for you when you get back.

[Dennis McDonald]

We made it to what I believe was Tiger Hammock. It didn't look like anyone had used the site in a while.  The water level was pretty low we laughed that instead of caring packs we had the canoe while hiking. It did make it nice to have a dry spot to sit  whenever.  That was something we wished for last year. We maybe paddled 1/2 mile  going in. We hitched a ride on an airboat the last two miles out. The grass was thick and made for slow going. It was a god trip not near long enough, but a bad day camping is better than a good day at work. Did you make it the whole way on the tram? We are on 95 heading home I'll put a few pics up later. How deep does your skiff need to float you and your gear?  Have a good new year. 

[Dennis McDonald]

After looking on google earth I realized we went past Tiger Hammock and ended up at Zone 4 campsite 10. We saw what i now see was the cut to Tiger campsite but didn't want to chance going the wrong way in the thick grass. I put up some pictures. The gator pond is actually on the edge of Tiger Hammock. Keith I have some questions about your skiff. I read Gladesmen again and after this trip really want to build one. I work in the marine field and was thinking of building one completely out of fiberglass. Do you have any photos showing the inside of your boat. I couldn't find many good photos looking online. I found a site that had a bunch of photos of Glen building and poling his skiff. Also did you make your push pole? If you have any pics send me a message and I'll give you my email. Thanks already planning the next trip. We are going to hike the northern section of Big Cypress above 75 in Feb. the weekend of the Miami International Boat Show.