Tom Long's Halfway Creek and Loop Trail in Big Cypress Preserve

Please read the entire text before joining. Participate at your own risk. By signing on to the trip you acknowledge that you are 100% responsible for the safety and security of yourself and your equipment and that the organizer of this trip is not responsible for any loss or injury you incur while participating in, or traveling to or from, this event.

This event is free, no parking or launch fee. If you are bringing a tandem boat, just sign up as one person, please.

We might encounter fallen tree branches in our path, so if someone wants to bring along a saw, that might be helpful. Trail maintenance has been done recently, so hopefully we'll sneak right through any tights spots.

If you have the Wikiloc app you can view this track we'll be taking. You might be able to see it without the app. I'm not sure: https://www.wikiloc.com/kayaking-canoeing-trails/ochopee-2-131689609

We are taking a 9-mile, 4-hour paddle on a trail with one of the longest and most beautiful mangrove tunnels you'll ever see. We're pushing off from the ramp at 9 AM, when the temp is forecast to be about 60 degrees, but will quickly warm up. Make sure you check this event for updates on the morning of March 21, before you leave home.

This paddle is okay for Sit-on-Top kayaks, but no one should have a boat shorter than 10 feet. No inflatables! No pets! No Speedos! (C'mon, that's reasonable). Regardless of your kayak type or length, you have to be able to last 4 hours on a warm (evntually) day while paddling almost 9 miles. Know your abilities and plan accordingly.

Every paddler must have a Type III PFD or an approved inflatable PFD. PFDs must be sized and worn properly at all times. If you're inclined to loosen up your lifejacket, or remove it when you get warm, please stay home.

Bring a good hat, sunscreen, bug repellent (I recommend 25% DEET and you should ALWAYS prepare for biting flies in the mangroves), PLENTY of water (bring more than you'll think you need - nothing worse than paddling thirsty with no relief), and food, if you'd like.

When you turn off U.S. 41 onto Seagrape Dr, don't expect to see a street sign - it came down in a big wind 12 or 13 years ago and they haven't gotten around to replacing it. But it's the same road you'd turn on to access the Big Cypress National Preserve Nathaniel Reed Visitor Center, just a little east of Wooten's Air Boat Rides. After turning onto Seagrape, the Visitors Center is an immediate left, but the launch will be straight ahead on Seagrape, at the very end of the road. Drive close to the launch to unload, then park some distance away. If you need to use a restroom before or after the paddle, there's one in the Visitor's Center for you, and it stays open, but no facility right at the launch. And it's too far to walk.

We can discuss a post-paddle meal location during or at the end of the paddle. Probably down in Everglades City.

If you have any questions please feel free to text or call me at 239.963.6162.

I hope to see you out there!
Tom Long