Loop Road closure affects Florida Trail thru-hikers
On Nov 2, Loop Road in Big Cypress National Preserve will close between Gator Hook Strand and the Education Center for road improvements. It will not reopen until next summer, effectively shutting off all access for thru-hikers to start their journeys north from the southern terminus of the Florida Trail. Hikers will need to start from the Oasis Visitors Center instead, and pick up this section at a later date.
Details from the Florida Trail website
Details from the National Park Service
Will this affect those doing the ECT and starting in Key West? (Maybe only if they needed to meet someone on Loop Road to get a resupply?)
Will a thru hikers need to go south for 8.3 miles then north, to be considered a thru hiker by the FTA?
It makes me absolutely sick that they are paving Loop Road. Insane waste of money that will now facilitate idiots who want to drive through the area at 60 miles an hour…probably resulting in the deaths of numerous gators, snakes and other creatures who call that area home. The hands-down dumbest thing ever done.
Good question. I’ll ask FTA. My guess is yes …. I’ll post an answer when I find out. BTW, one of our readers shared this additional link for information: http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/portion-of-loop-road-closed-2.htm
Chris, they are not paving it … they are improving the road surface with better limestone. If you read the National Park press release (now linked to this post) it explains exactly why. I understand … I almost drove down there a couple of weeks ago but I don’t have four-wheel drive and it didn’t look like I could make it!
eArThworm, I’d imagine people can still walk it … the distance between the eco center and the terminus is short enough. Good thing to ask Big Cypress, though. I’ll find out.
Has there been any clarification on the walking bit? There is a FT thru hiker that is planning a trip in a couple weeks. Thanks.
I am putting together a hiking / fitness walking group tallahassee
anyone interested please contact me
trails hiked will be torreya, tom brown and lake overstreet
This stinks. My papa who lived there for years won’t be here much longer. I was really wanting to take him home once more.Perhaps we can get there since my aunt n uncle owned the Hook I can take him “home”.
I would think if you explained your situation to the folks at Oasis Ranger Station, they would help. Good for you to help you father