Rangers at Oasis Visitor Center in Big Cypress National Preserve note that this is one of the deepest water starts for Florida Trail thru-hikers that they’ve seen yet. The hiker register bears out tales of extremely deep water in Robert’s Strand. and backpackers who went 10 miles north found waist deep water. It’ll be cold the next couple of days. too. so a rough start for northbound thru-hiking season! Keep in mind that Loop Rd is closed so thru- hikers must start at Oasis, and yes, it counts as a thru.
I thought it was bad in 07 when I hiked it, but water shoulder high O nooooo.
This should be interesting. I am heading out to walk through with a friend who is starting a thru-hike. We will be hiking orswimmin next week. I think I’ll bring my storkel.
My keyboard sucks!! That should read: We will be hiking or swimming next week.
Note: Starting at he Oasis Center is the official start to the trail until Loop Rd re-opens.
Note: Road walking is part of the Florida Trail and to be an official FT End-to-Ender the orange blaze needs to be followed and the roads need to be hiked.
Sue/HH
FL Trail Long Distance Hiking Chair.
Just got home from Big Cypress. Hiked out and stayed just short of 7 mile camp. Water was knee deep at times. I had on shorts and was able to keep them dry the whole time. First trip to Big Cypress will be going back.
vert =very
I hiked through on Jan 6-7-8-9, 2010. The water has gone down. I never hiked in water deeper then my knees.