Harold Strand

Trail Overview

This trail is open year-round to those who have purchased an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) permit from the NPS. The ORV permit requires passing a quiz testing knowledge of tread lightly and off-road etiquette and passing an ORV inspection. Rangers will look for 4WD capability, tire width and size, and axle clearance, to name a few items. These are required as once in the backcountry, conditions can change rapidly, and recovery assistance may not be available or long in coming. Vehicles are required to be equipped with working 4-wheel drive. The annual permit is $100; reinspection is done every few years. Access is open year-round. However, the use of motorcycles is prohibited. Class 1 electric bicycles may be operated according to rules for traditional, non-motorized bicycles. The trail leads through the Preserve/WMA, where there are a variety of pine/oak Hammocks and wetland/marsh areas. The trail is wide for two vehicles in most areas, but although having width, the trail may be soft or sticky depending on weather conditions. In the narrower areas or tight curves, proceed with caution and safe speeds as some turns are blind to potential oncoming vehicles, SxS, or ATVs. The trail is a deeply rutted (12"-18") dirt/mud or sand trail that can have large obstacles (trees, rocks, etc.) lying across the trail or within the trail. Potential obstructions protruding up that could damage the undercarriage of low clearance vehicles. During the rainy season, expect lots of deep-water crossings or deep, sticky mud and soft shoulders throughout. This trail is not maintained. Wildlife observation opportunities abound. This area is part of the Black Bear and Florida Panther habitat. There is a possibility of observing a variety of wildlife (e.g. Whitetail Deer, Wild Hogs, Panthers, Bears, Coyote, Bobcats, Cranes, Storks, Water Birds, Bald Eagles, snakes, etc.). This active preserve has several open hunting seasons starting late summer and extending through Spring.

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Difficulty

The trail is a deeply rutted (12"-18") dirt/mud or sand trail that can have large obstacles (trees, rocks, etc.) laying across the trail or within trail. Potential obstructions protruding up that could damage undercarriage of low clearance vehicles. During rainy season expect lots of deep-water crossings, or deep sticky mud and soft shoulders throughout. This trail is not maintained.

History

The Calusa people had an extensive presence in the area when Europeans arrived. Big Cypress was historically occupied by various cultures of Native Americans. Currently members of the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribe of Florida occupy and use the preserve for traditional purposes and business. In the early 1900's oil exploration led to exploring for oil deposits in Florida. In the 1940's one of only two landmass oil deposits, the Sunniland Deposit, was discovered in Big Cypress. Oil production continues to modern day but is limited to a few select locations. In the 1960's the land was being considered for the Miami-Dade Jetport Airport. Through a collaborative effort between Native Tribe members, outdoorsmen and conservationists, this 729,000 acre parcel was earmarked as preserve land. This allowing it to be used for traditional activities, such as hunting, fishing, wood harvesting, and occupancy by the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, as well as existing non-native property owners.

Technical Rating

Harold Strand can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")