Big Cypress Scenic Loop

The 27-mile scenic drive through Big Cypress National Preserve dumps you into the real Everglades — not the sawgrass tourists see, but ancient cypress domes rising from black water sloughs. Loop Road (Highway 94) was the old Tamiami Trail before they built the current highway, and sections still flood during summer rains. You’ll cross actual swamp on elevated shell rock, dodge wild boar, and maybe spot a Florida panther if you’re camping the backcountry sites along the route.

Easy driving on graded shell rock and pavement, but seasonal flooding can close sections June through October. Any vehicle handles it when dry, but check water levels first — getting stuck means expensive extraction from gator country. Winter is prime time for cooler weather and lower water. No permits for the main road, but backcountry camping requires advance reservations. It’s tourist-accessible but feels properly wild, especially the deeper you push into the cypress heads where cell service dies and the only sounds are gators bellowing at sunset.