Okeechobee is the heart of Florida’s old frontier, surrounded by vast prairies with cattle ranches and the sweep of Lake Okeechobee, one of America’s largest lakes. Hikes in this area treat you to the “Big Sky” that only this region of South Central Florida can offer.

The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (L.O.S.T)  is an overlay on the Florida Trail around Lake Okeechobee, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail provides a mostly paved cycling and walking route around the second largest lake entirely within the borders of the United States.

Taylor Creek Storm Water Treatment Area (S.T.A) encompasses the ancient shoreline of Taylor Creek and man-made marshes, this wetlands park is a gem for birding and wildlife watching just north of Okeechobee.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park protects a remnant of what was once the great Indian Prairie stretching to Lake Okeechobee, a mosaic of wet and dry grasslands where wildflowers flourish.

A town favorite is the Grassy Island Mountain Bike Trail. The Grassy Island MTB Trail promises an unforgettable exploration of Florida's captivating wilderness, inviting visitors to connect with the environment and embrace the tranquility that abounds. There are three different trails around 4-6 miles long to accommodate hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can see an array of wildlife in a beautiful natural setting that is very well shaded in most areas for the whole family to enjoy.

For more trails in Okeechobee, click here.

If hiking is your passion Okeechobee is proud to announce that we have just been designated as a Gateway Community for the Florida Trail Association. 

What is a Gateway Community?

A Gateway Community is a designated town in close proximity to the Florida Trail that offers accommodations, restaurants, grocery stores for thru-hiker resupply, and other recreational opportunities. This program works by connecting Florida Trail hikers to local businesses within the community, and making visitors to the community aware of the Florida Trail.

A Gateway Community not only brings awareness, safety, and accommodations that enhance hikers’ experience on the Florida Trail, but also provide publicity, tourism, and economic growth to each town’s local businesses.

Look for this decal (shown above)  in the front window of local businesses in each Gateway Community**! This logo signifies official awareness and a partnership with the Florida National Scenic Trail.

(** Not all businesses listed on our GC pages will have this decal)

Visit our 11 Gateway Communities Here:

Florida Trail Passport Program

The FT passport program is a fun way for hikers to visit our Gateway Communities and have a memento of each place they visited along the Florida Trail. Gateway Communities will be housing town and local business stamps!

For more information on the FT Passport Program and stamp locations visit: www.floridatrail.org/passport/

Required Reservation Info

Required Permit Info

Prescribed Burn Info

Hunter Safety Tips

Gateway Community Info

Leave No Trace Principles

End to End Hiker Designation Info

Maps

And more!