Big Gum Swamp Wilderness Overview
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Big Gum Swamp Wilderness
<p><img align="center" alt="Trail leading into a forest." margin="20px 20px 20px 20px" src="http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_MEDIA/FSEPRD915207.jpg" style="width: 600px; height: 300px; padding-bottom: 15px;" /></p><p>This large, nearly level area consists primarily of a poorly drained to very poorly drained freshwater swamp of cypress and gum. The surface is a thick, spongy mat of organic material, sluggishly cut by a few shallow sloughs. Longleaf and slash pine flatwoods with a dense understory of saw palmetto, gallberry and bay form the perimeter of the swamp.</p><p><strong>Backpacking/Hiking</strong></p><ul><li>A designated hiking trail makes a loop through the drier pine flatwoods of the perimeter on the west-northwestern side. Boggy terrain, dense vegetation, insects and warm, humid conditions make travel here extremely challenging - exacerbated by the fact that the trails are not maintained (your best bet is to follow one of the many old logging roads). On the northwest side, an old road tunnels through a stand of massive live oaks that tower overhead.</li></ul><p><strong>History</strong></p><ul><li>Loggers made off with most of the original timber between 1915 and 1920, and earthen railroad trams, some of which are still visible, penetrated the interior. Over time, all signs of human intrusion into the swamp have greatly subsided. However, you might find remnants of naval stores or “turpentining” operations that began in the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.</li></ul><p paraeid="{8a5664ed-c3b7-4df9-a8b6-027e03793b06}{54}" paraid="827377442"><strong>Nature Viewing</strong></p><ul role="list"><li aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-level="1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-font="Symbol" data-leveltext="" data-listid="2" role="listitem"><p paraeid="{8a5664ed-c3b7-4df9-a8b6-027e03793b06}{64}" paraid="49553516">Wildlife is abundant in the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness because the swamp is simply so inaccessible. </p></li></ul><p>Wilderness areas are the most protected public lands in America. To learn more, please visit <a href="https://wilderness.net/learn-about-wilderness/default.php">www.wilderness.net</a>. </p>
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Big Gum Swamp Wilderness as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Big Gum Swamp Wilderness
What is Big Gum Swamp Wilderness?
A point of interest in Florida tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.