Download free topo maps of Big Cypress National Preserve. Use the adjoining 7.5 minute quadrangle legend to locate the Florida maps you need.
Big Cypress National Preserve is located west of Miami, Florida bordering the freshwater prairies of Everglades National Park and other protected cypress areas. The Big Cypress Swamp freshwaters benefit the southwestern coastal marine estuaries in addition to the well-being of the Everglades. Once home to Native Americans, the Preserve and protected lands were established to protect the ecological attributes of the land and its diversity of life. The wet cypress forest, combined with tropical and temperate plant life create habitats for numerous creatures, including several species of poisonous snakes, bears, panthers and alligators. The Preserve offers campgrounds, hiking, canoeing, hunting and Ranger-led activities. There are scenic drives within the Preserve, the Loop Road that passes through the pine and dwarf forests and the Turner River/ Wagonwheel/ Birdon Roads Loop that goes through open prairies and bird feeding areas. Cautionary warnings regarding the danger posed by alligators should be heeded.