Lake Martin Loop
Cypress Island Preserve is approximately 9,500 acres of protected cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest habitat. There are a 2.5-mile levee walk and a 2.5-mile road walk, that is supposed to create a 5-mile loop trail around Lake Martin. I was unable to finish the trail due to conditions that I felt were unsafe. I do plan to return later in the fall and see if the trail is more open then. From what I saw, this is a beautiful area and I can't wait to return!
Trailhead to the levee section
"Beginning in late January, thousands of Great Egrets, followed by Little Blue Herons, Cattle Egrets, Snowy Egrets and Roseate Spoonbills make their nests and rear their young in the rookery. Great Blue Herons and Neotropic Cormorants may be seen in the distant tree tops. Expect a spectacular rookery view from March through June." - https://www.nature.org
Quick Stats
Length: 5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Loop
The Levee trail is closed from June 1st to October 1st, for alligator nesting season. This may have contributed to the high grass I encountered when I attempted to hike the trail in mid October. Given the nature of the area, I decided to not finish.
