Last Updated on 18 July, 2026 by Robyn Dockendorf

Big Cypress National Preserve conserves over 729,000 acres of rich swampland that is essential to the health of the nearby Everglades. Nestled within the preserve is an unforgettable scenic drive offering close-up views of the vegetation and wildlife that call Florida home.

The Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve is a 24-mile scenic drive through cypress swamps, sawgrass prairies, and flooded mangrove forests. This gravel road is home to wildlife like alligators, river otters, wood storks, and the endangered Florida Panther.

This article will prepare you to drive the Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve, including where to start, the road conditions, hiking trails, and the wildlife most likely to be encountered on the journey.

To start things off, we’ll talk about where to start this scenic drive in iconic Florida swampland.

This post includes affiliate links, but rest assured that we only recommend items we would use ourselves. If you choose to make a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are no sponsorships; this is just the truth about our favorite finds.

1. Where To Start The Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is located in southern Florida, just above Everglades National Park. The Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve is easy to find because it starts off the main road through the preserve, Tamiami Trail. 

Because it is a loop road, there are two possible starting points. The road is two-way, but is narrow in some areas. The most popular way to experience the Loop Road is to start at the north entrance.

The north entrance of the Loop Road is approximately 4.4 miles west of the Oasis Visitor Center and 14.6 miles east of the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center.

• GPS: N25.8636, W81.1006

You can also type in 50910 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141, which is the address of an off-road vehicle parking lot. This will also get you to the start of the road.

As you turn off Tamiami Trail (Route 41), you’ll see a large brown sign that says ‘Loop Road.’ When you spot the sign, you know you’re in the right place! This is mile 0 of the Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve.

An atlas like the National Geographic Road Atlas Adventure Edition is a great copilot while exploring Big Cypress National Preserve and can help you find your next stop (I recommend Shark Valley!).

2. Road Conditions

The beginning and end of the Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve are paved. However, the middle section is unpaved. The unpaved section is gravel with stretches of washboards and potholes. 

We took our 2WD Ram Promaster 2500 van down this road and had no problems. Almost any vehicle can complete this loop under normal weather conditions.

• Mile 0 – 0.05: Paved
• Mile 0.05 – 15.55: Unpaved gravel
• Mile 15.55 – Mile 24: Paved

The unpaved portion of the road was quite rough in some areas due to potholes, but it’s still passable for almost any vehicle. Just be prepared for a bumpy 15 miles! Near the east entrance, the road becomes paved again at the Loop Road Education Center and is paved for the last 8.5 miles.

3. History

The Loop Road was originally meant to be part of the Tamiami Trail Road. A businessman from Miami named James Franklin Jaudon funded the construction of the east-west highway known as the Tamiami Trail.

In 1921, work started on what was then known as Chevelier Road but would later become Loop Road. By 1923, funds ran out, and another successful businessman, Barron Collier, funded the project. However, he had a stipulation that the Tamiami Trail Road must go through his county, Collier County. 

Thus, Chevelier Road (Loop Road) never became part of the main Tamiami Trail.

The Town of Pinecrest

Jaudon had a vision for the next Miami. It would be a town along Chevelier Road (now Loop Road) known as Pinecrest. It was a logging town of approximately 200 citizens, but development ceased when funds ran out, and the town was eventually abandoned.

However, there are rumors that, during its heyday, a speakeasy and gambling den existed that was owned by a relative of Al Capone. Although these rumors were never confirmed, the rumors say that the establishment burned down in 1928, but that the steps are still there.

Gator Hook Lodge

Another piece of the history of the Loop Road is Gator Hook Lodge. It originally opened in 1958 and was located in the S-curve of the road. It had a reputation as a rough and rowdy bar and dance club, but was a source of entertainment for locals.

It was here that Ervin T Rouse, a local fiddler, played his famous tune Orange Blossom Special. Later, Johnny Cash would compose a remake of the song and exchange the fiddle for harmonicas and a saxophone.

Shortly after Big Cypress National Preserve was established, Gator Hook Lodge closed, but its history will always be remembered with Johnny Cash’s 1965 album ‘Orange Blossom Special.’

4. Wildlife

One of the most exciting parts about the Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve is the opportunity to spot wildlife. From alligators and manatees to great egrets and the Florida Gar. You might be surprised at some of the species that call this Preserve home!

Here are some places to look for wildlife along the Loop Road:

• Bridge Pulloffs: There are many pulloffs near bridges and waterways. Walk to the bridge and look into the water, especially near culverts and grassy shores, to spot alligators, river otters, and turtles.
• Areas with Dense Understory: While driving, look for areas along the road with dense vegetation near the ground. This is where you might spot the Florida black bear or the Florida panther.
• Deeper Waters: While much of the water along the Loop Road is shallow, a few areas have deeper waters. This is where you might spot manatees in the winter months. In the summer months, they migrate north.
• In the Trees Above Water: Check out branches that overhang water sources to spot wading birds like egrets, herons, and storks. You may be lucky enough to spot tree frogs, too!

When encountering wildlife along the Loop Road, be respectful and keep your distance. Never feed or harass wildlife. 

Check out our articles for tips on what to do when you spot these impressive creatures on this scenic loop:

• What To Do If You See An Alligator
• What To Do If You See A Snake
• What To Do If You See A Black Bear
• What To Do If You See A Mountain Lion (Florida Panther)

5. Special Stops

With 24 miles of driving, there’s more to see than just wildlife and beautiful vegetation on the Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve. Several stops along the way offer a peek into the history of the road as well as important waypoints and hiking trails.

• 0 Miles – Monroe Station: Located at the beginning of the north entrance, this gas station was constructed in 1928 and marks an important waypoint for travelers on the early Tamiami Trail.
• 2.2 Miles – Gator Hook Trailhead: This 5-mile out-and-back trail is mostly shaded and elevated, but there are sections where you will have to walk through water.
• 5 Miles – Sweetwater Strand: Near the 5-mile mark, you’ll see some of the largest cypress trees along the Loop Trail. The deeper water provides more nutrients and is a hot spot for wildlife like alligators, fish, warblers, and the northern parula. 
• 9.8 Miles – Deep Water: Around the 9.8-mile mark, the waters are deeper due to more constant flooding. In the winter months, wildlife flocks to this area as water from other areas recedes.
• 10.1 Miles – Florida National Scenic Trail: As you drive by the 10-mile mark, you’ll see the southernmost point of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,400-mile trail that traverses north through the entire state of Florida.
• 15.6 Miles – Tree Snail Hammock Trail: This short but sweet loop trail is only 0.3 miles and is located in what is known as a hardwood hammock. It’s drier than other parts of the Big Cypress National Preserve and offers a home to the endemic Liguus Tree Snail.
• 15.6 Miles – Loop Road Education Center: Across the road from the Tree Snail Hammock Trail is the Loop Road Education Center, run by Everglades National Park. It can be reserved for educational groups such as school outings.
• 16.5 to 18 Miles – Pinecrest Remains: Along this stretch of road is all that remains of the town of Pinecrest. This was where Gator Hook Lodge was located.
• 24 Miles – 40 Mile Bend: This is the end of the Loop Road and is marked by a check station for hunters.

Take your time and enjoy the drive, soaking in the scenery, wildlife, and history of this magnificent stretch of protected land.

If you decide to hike one of the trails in the area, check out our day hiking gear list for a checklist of everything you’ll need to tackle trails in the swamp!

6. Closest Amenities

It’s a good idea to fill up on gas and take a bathroom break before embarking on the Loop Road. The road may only be 24 miles long, but the gravel portion requires very slow driving due to potholes and washboards.

Here are the closest amenities to the Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve:

• Gas Station: 
  • North Entrance – Marathon (17 miles away)
  • East Entrance – Miccosukee Gas Station (3.6 miles away)
• Bathrooms: Oasis Visitor Center (4.4 miles away)
• Restaurants: Miami to the east (26 miles) or Carnestown to the west (17 miles).
• Lodging: Everglades City to the west (21 miles) or Miami to the east (26 miles).
• Hospital: Miami (26 miles).

7. Expected Drive Time

Everyone’s adventure along the Loop Road is a little different, but expect to spend at least two hours on this 24-mile stretch of road. There are plenty of places to pull over and observe wildlife and vegetation, and a few trails to hike if desired.

When we drove the loop, we didn’t stop for any trails because we had our trusty furbags with us, but it still took us two hours to complete the loop because we stopped a lot to get out and walk along the road and look for alligators and other critters.

This trip shouldn’t be taken lightly, so ensure you have enough time to spend on this loop before starting. It’s all about the journey, not the destination, right?

8. Taking Pets

Scenic drives are always fun with pets as you roll down the window and let the fur fly! We travel with our three-legged dog and one-eyed cat, so we couldn’t exactly leave them at home while we drove the Big Cypress National Preserve Loop Road.

Pets are allowed in vehicles on the Loop Road, but they are not permitted on any of the hiking trails in the Preserve and are only allowed on pullouts that are paved. This means activities are very limited on the Loop Road with pets.

If you can, it’s best to leave the furballs at home, but if you’re traveling and unable to leave them, know that it can still be an enjoyable drive with your pet, but they must be kept in the car. Additionally, the area has high alligator activity, so keep your pet safely inside the vehicle.

Consider getting a dog seatbelt like the Mighty Paw Nylon Dog Seat Belt to make sure your pup stays inside the vehicle even with the windows down!

Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve: Wrap-Up Session

South Florida is home to some of the most astounding and pristine swampland in North America. There are animals, ecosystems, and plants found nowhere else on Earth, and it’s definitely worth a stop on your travels.

To recap the most important information, here are the 8 essential things to know before you journey on the scenic Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve:

1. Where to start: It’s recommended to start at the north entrance and work your way south and then east.
2. Road conditions: The road is partially paved, and the unpaved portion is quite bumpy due to potholes and washboards.
3. History: There is much history to discover along the Loop Road.
4. Wildlife: Wildlife is abundant on this scenic loop.
5. Special stops: Several special stops are a way to better understand the history and wildlife of the area.
6. Amenities: Fill up on gas and food before starting the Loop Road
7. Trip duration: Expect to spend at least two hours on the Loop Road.
8. Pets: Pets are allowed in vehicles but would be best left at home.

If you plan to hike in Big Cypress National Preserve, be aware that many trails require you to walk through water. As always, pack out all trash, and let’s keep Preserves like Big Cypress pristine so that future generations can enjoy them as we have.

Until next time, give your furbag an extra pet from us and keep exploring this beautiful world! For more travel guides like this, check out the Dirtbags with Furbags blog!