Big Cypress Orange and Blue Loop Trail 17-Mile Hike

**THIS HIKE IS ONLY FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS**, that have been hiking 10+ miles on a regular basis. It is going to be ***physically challenging,*** but a lot of fun too.

We will hike at a ***moderate pace*** on the Florida Trail for about 3 miles and take the Blue Blazed Trail for about 6.1 miles, looping back around to the Florida Trail near 7 mile Camp (no shade) where we will take our break before heading back on the Florida Trail back to the cars.

***Please note that on the Blue Blazed Trail we should expect a 1 MPH pace as we traverse rugged rocky terrain and wade cypress strands and standing water.*** Last year we’re lucky, the trail was in great shape and very dry, but this year could be a lot different.

**Let’s meet at 6:45AM** at the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center. We will **start hiking no later than 7:00AM**. Please keep in mind that the trails are mostly in the open, with very little shade, and a good portion of the beginning and end of the hike will be on a very uneven coral stone trail which will slows us down.

***Expect to encounter mud, standing water, overgrown vegetation, snakes and the possibility of mosquitoes on this hike.***

The hike will be about 17 Miles of strenuous difficulty, so you know what to bring, plenty of water (3+ liters), snacks, etc. to hold you over for a long day hike.

Public/Strenuous
Contact: Jorge Hernandez, 561-346-5129
Co-Leader: Gloria Hernandez, 561-308-0621

**HOW TO GET THERE:**

From southeast Florida, take the Florida Turnpike (toll road).
Take exit 25A for US-41 W/SW 8th St/Tamiami Trail.
Continue West on US-41 for about 42.6 miles.
The Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center entrance will be on the right.