The mostly-gravel 24-mile Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve takes you through three Florida counties, offering views of sawgrass prairies, cypress strands, slash pines, and plenty of wildlife.

An American alligator catches some sun outside of the water on Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

Eastern lubber grasshoppers use a palm frond to help them mate along the Gator Hook Trail off Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

The abundant cypress trees of Big Cypress National Preserve is the perfect habitat for the currently endangered giant airplants.

A Florida gar swims among other freshwater fish along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

A white peacock butterfly feeds on a plant next to a cypress strand along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

An anhinga dries its feathers in the deep Sweetwater Strand along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

A Florida softshell turtle is spotted out of water along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

Cypress knees sprout up above the roots of cypress trees in the Streetwater Strand along Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve on June 2, 2023.

Beat the heat. Stay in the car.

If you’re looking for an isolated, driveable Everglades adventure this summer, Loop Road might be the trip for you. 

Although summer doesn’t officially begin for a few more weeks, the season of high heat, humidity and endless mosquito bites is already here. While these conditions make it challenging to hike or kayak South Florida’s iconic wetlands, the Everglades can still be enjoyed from the comfort of your air-conditioned car along the 24-mile Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve. 

Accessible from the Tamiami Trail, the mostly gravel road takes you through three counties (Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade), offering views of sawgrass prairies, cypress strands, slash pines, and plenty of wildlife if you’re willing to take it slow. And you should take it slow — the road can be bumpy, but your patience is bound to pay off with views of alligators, butterflies and turtles.  If you’re lucky, you might spy an endangered Florida panther or playful river otter.

For those who aren’t afraid to brave the heat, there are plenty of opportunities to step out of your vehicle and take in the sights. Just be sure to shut the door behind you, because insects will find their way in! The Gator Hook Trail is a great option for stretching your legs on a 5-mile round-trip swamp walk, and the Tree Snail Hammock Trail is a more manageable short hike through hardwood hammock. There are also camping sites on the eastern edge of the road toward the Miccosukee Reservation.

No matter the temperature, the beauty of the Everglades abounds. We hope you get out there to enjoy it!