Hidden Cypress Preserve

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Hidden Cypress Preserve is a 60-acre nature reserve located in the state of Florida, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.


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Summary

The preserve is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers, offering a range of outdoor activities and unique experiences.

One of the main reasons to visit Hidden Cypress Preserve is for its beautiful scenery and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore the various trails and boardwalks that wind through the preserve's wetlands, marshes, and forests, providing stunning views of the surrounding wildlife and vegetation.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Hidden Cypress Preserve include the preserve's namesake cypress trees, which are estimated to be hundreds of years old, as well as a variety of bird species, including egrets, herons, and ospreys.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once owned by the famous American artist, James Audubon, and that it is home to one of the largest populations of the endangered wood stork in the state of Florida.

The best time of year to visit Hidden Cypress Preserve is generally in the fall or winter months, when the weather is cooler and the wildlife is more active. However, the preserve is open year-round and offers something to see and do no matter what time of year you visit.

Overall, Hidden Cypress Preserve is a truly unique and beautiful destination in the state of Florida that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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