See the Hiking web page for an interactive location map and information on required backcountry permits.
This hike was done during the dry season (winter). During the summer the area may be underwater or at least very muddy.
Length: 1 mile, round trip
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
The Deep Lake Trail is one of only a handful of hiker-only trails at Big Cypress National Preserve. It leads to its namesake, Deep Lake, which is the deepest lake in south Florida. Created as a result of a natural sinkhole, the lake is about 95 feet deep and 300 feet across and is filled with water year round, making it a favorite home for alligators during the dry season.
The trailhead is located on Highway 29 about half way between I-75 to the north and the Tamiami Trail to the south. Access is within the gated Deep Lake Fire Station property. There is no sign on the road for the Deep Lake Trail, so just be on the lookout for the fire station sign. While the gate to the station may be open when you arrive, do not enter with your vehicle, but instead park on the road shoulder and walk in (there is an unlocked gate for people). If you park inside and the employees leave, they will lock the gate even if your car is still there.
The trailhead is located at a gap in the trees on the left side of the fire station. As is the case on the street, no sign identifies the trail.
The Deep Lake Trail at Big Cypress National Preserve starts at the Deep Lake Fire Station on Highway 29
Deep Lake Trail weaves its way through what is known as a “Hardwood Hammock,” a plot of land that has a higher elevation than the rest of the swampy areas of Big Cypress. The drier ground allows hardwood trees to grow, trees that cannot survive in the water soaked swamp. The park’s larger animals like this dry area, so in addition to alligators, there is a small chance of seeing deer, bear, and even a panther.
The trail starts off on an old dirt road, now grass covered, just like most of the trails in the park, but after about ten minutes of walking it becomes a traditional hiking trail. Sections of it are very overgrown and there are times when you may be wondering if you are even on the trail anymore. You’ll be walking through ferns and weeds, but just keep plowing ahead because this is the trail.
Even in the dry season when I hiked (February) there were plenty of mud holes, but since this area is high ground it won’t get much worse during the summer’s wet season, thus making it accessible to hikers all year long.
The trail eventually dead ends into Deep Lake. It took me about 20 minutes to get there. The only viewing area is from the end of the trail, for the shore is completely covered in trees and brush. There is no way to hike around the lake, or even venture much further than the mouth of the trail. It’s like looking into a store through its only window.
When I approached the lake I could hear alligators jumping into the water, so obviously they hang out near the mouth of the trail. Swimming is the way that you are most likely to see them and they may be too far away for a good look. There are better places and easier ways to see alligators than hiking out to Deep Lake.
So why would you want to visit? You certainly don’t want to go for a dip. If you haven’t seen an alligator during your time at Big Cypress, which is highly unlikely during the dry season, this may be one last place to see them. Other than that, I can’t find much reason to spend time here.
The Deep Lake Trail is an out-and-back hike, so when done at the lake retrace your steps back to the car. Plan to spend up to an hour for the venture if you take a little time to look for alligators.
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Last updated on June 9, 2023