Big Gum Swamp Wilderness

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.

Backpacking/Hiking

• 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.

History

• 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.

Nature Viewing

• Wildlife is abundant in the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness because the swamp is simply so inaccessible. 

Wilderness areas are the most protected public lands in America. To learn more, please visit www.wilderness.net.