ADDITION BACKCOUNTRY UNIT

See the Backcountry web page for information on the other six backcountry units at Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Addition Backcountry Unit got its name due to being an addition to Big Cypress National Preserve in 1988, and it appears that the National Park Service never came up with a better name. Environmental and sportsmen groups have been battling over these 147,000 acres since Day One, with the point of contention being vehicle access. As of now, only those on foot (hikers, hunters, fishermen) or on a boat (motor, kayak, canoe) are allowed into the area, though a 2010 management plan called for 130 miles of vehicle trails (swamp buggies and ATVs). These would not be new trails, but established trails that were used long before the National Park Service took over. As of now, all trails are closed to vehicles and bikes. Regardless of the amount of trails that may eventually be approved, part of the land will be designated as wilderness (no vehicles or bikes).

The boundary of this area is not as easily defined as the boundaries for the other backcountry units, thus it is best to reference the map below. The unit is located in the northeast corner of the park and is most easily accessed along I-75 from the rest station at Mile Marker 63, where you can pick up the Florida Trail either north- or southbound, or from a westbound lane parking area at Mile Marker 51. The only other way into the area is by hiking the Florida Trail from its start at the Oasis Visitor Center. Should the vehicle access issue ever be resolved, additional access points along I-75 will be created.

Big Cypress Backcountry Zone Map (click to enlarge)

There are a few traditional trails (hikers only) at Big Cypress National Preserve in the Addition unit, including the Florida Trail, a 1300-mile trail that covers the state north to south starting at the Oasis Visitor Center (for more information, see the official Florida Trail Association web page). In fact, one of the only short loop hikes possible in the entire park is one pieced together from the Florida Trail and the other trails in the Addition Unit. See the Florida Trail report of details.

Hikers are also free to venture off-trail when the terrain permits. The entire park is flat and there are plenty of open areas. However, hike with caution because there are poisonous snakes and sharp vegetation in the backcountry. I heard a rattlesnake in the tall grass while walking on the Florida Trail, but didn’t stick around long enough to see it.

Entry by any means into the backcountry requires a permit. These are free and can be obtained at kiosks at trailheads, boat ramps, backcountry access roads, hunter check-in stations, and the visitor centers. All you need is a pen or pencil to fill out the multi-copy form on which you provide your entry date and time, your estimated return time, and the purpose of your adventure (e.g. hike, camp, hunt). Keep one copy with you, stick one in the permit collection box at the kiosk, and place one on the dashboard of your car (all backcountry access areas have parking lots or allow roadside parking). Permits help the National Park Service track which areas are used the most, plus if your car is left overnight the park Rangers will know when you were supposed to have returned, and if this time has long since passed, they know to come looking for you.

You can also download the Backcountry-Permit (PDF) and either fill it out by hand or by using Adobe Acrobat (or an Acrobat browser plug-in). The PDF has two permits, and if you use Acrobat, the second permit fills out automatically as you type information into the first permit. You need three permits, so be sure to print two copies of the PDF and then use scissors to separate the copies.

Camping is allowed anywhere in the Addition unit provided that you pitch your tent at least a half mile from any developed areas such as roads, private homes, and established campgrounds. A permit is required, but it is the same permit as for any other backcountry activity. For more information, see the Backcountry Camping web page here on National Park Planner.

No pets other than hunting dogs during the hunting season are allowed in the backcountry.

Access points are at the following stops on I-75 :

Mile Marker 63 Rest Area

At Mile Marker 63 you will find a full-fledged rest area (restrooms, picnic tables, etc.) on the eastbound side of I-75. There are Florida Trail parking areas on both the east- and westbound sides, and you can travel between the two under the highway bridge instead of having to drive further down the road to the nearest exit and turn around.

The parking area for the southbound trailhead is accessed from the eastbound lane of I-75. When you get off of the Interstate and enter the rest area, follow the “Hiker” signs. You will drive through the parking lot, continuing in the eastbound direction, until you come to the Public Safety building. Pull into its parking lot and take the first left that you come to, which passes in front of the building, and then follow this road until you come to a massive parking area. I don’t know how a parking area this size can be justified for the Florida Trail, but here it is.

Parking for those wanting to hike north on the Florida Trail is located on the westbound side of the Interstate. If you exit from the eastbound lane continue through the parking area as if heading to the southbound trail parking lot, but when you come to the Public Safety building take a left and go under the bridge. This leads to the northbound trail parking area, another massive lot that I can’t imagine ever filling up. The trailhead is on the right side of the parking lot.

If traveling westbound on I-75, the northbound trail parking lot is on your right once you come to the end of the exit ramp—you can’t miss it. If you want to get to the other side to hike southbound, turn left and head under the bridge. Take a left at the Public Safety Building and follow the directions above.