Okeechobee – Florida Birding Trail

Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

Located just west of the Kissimmee River, this site can be explored as either a quick stop or as part of a longer adventure on adjoining public lands. Long-distance hikers will enjoy the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) which runs the full length of the WMA (approx. 5 miles). Just south of the Bluff Hammock trailhead, the trail leads to a boardwalk and 25-foot high bridge along the Kissimmee River with an impressive view of the restored river floodplain. Biking is allowed in the southern portion of the WMA on a 2-mile bike trail and on the interior "woods road" along the hammocks. Primitive and equestrian camping are allowed by permit, call for details.

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Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

A spectacular birding and wildlife watching experience awaits you at this immense state park (one of Florida's largest), which protects one of the last remaining examples of dry prairie in the state. In addition, wet prairie, freshwater marshes, oak and sabal palm hammocks, pine flatwoods, swamps and riparian habitats make this an incredibly diverse site. The park is home to such specialties as Crested Caracara, White-tailed Kite, Florida Scrub-Jay and Florida Burrowing Owl.

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Lock 7: Jaycee Park

Jaycee Park (also known as Parrott Avenue Wayside Park) on the north shore of Lake Okeechobee has a superb 400-foot fishing pier with a covered pavilion at the end; this is a perfect spot for scoping birds on the lake and shoreline. The panoramic view from atop the 35-foot tall Herbert Hoover Dike above the parking area is also ideal for scanning the skies above.

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Okee-Tantie Recreation Area

At 730 square miles (450,000 acres), Lake Okeechobee is the second largest lake in the contiguous United States, with outstanding birding, wildlife watching and fishing opportunities. Okee-Tantie Recreation Area on the east side of the Kissimmee River (C-38 canal) and Jaycee Park are two of the limited number of locations where you can actually see and experience the lake from shore (first-time visitors are often surprised that the lake is almost completely hidden behind the 35-foot tall Hoover Dike).

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Prairie Bird Driving Loops

While there are no amenities or public access at these unconventional sites, the Prairie Bird Loops (Long and Short) driving loops provide a good overview of the county and bird species that may be observed while traveling in rural south-central Florida.

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Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area

Four miles north of the City of Okeechobee lies Taylor Creek STA, a little-known but outstanding destination for wildlife watchers and photographers in winter, spring and fall. South Florida's stormwater treatment areas are engineered wetlands which help protect the water quality of Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades; they also provide superb wildlife habitat to boot.

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Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

Located just west of the Kissimmee River, this site can be explored as either a quick stop or as part of a longer adventure on adjoining public lands. Long-distance hikers will enjoy the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) which runs the full length of the WMA (approx. 5 miles). Just south of the Bluff Hammock trailhead, the trail leads to a boardwalk and 25-foot high bridge along the Kissimmee River with an impressive view of the restored river floodplain. Biking is allowed in the southern portion of the WMA on a 2-mile bike trail and on the interior “woods road” along the hammocks. Primitive and equestrian camping are allowed by permit, call for details.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

A spectacular birding and wildlife watching experience awaits you at this immense state park (one of Florida’s largest), which protects one of the last remaining examples of dry prairie in the state. In addition, wet prairie, freshwater marshes, oak and sabal palm hammocks, pine flatwoods, swamps and riparian habitats make this an incredibly diverse site. The park is home to such specialties as Crested Caracara, White-tailed Kite, Florida Scrub-Jay and Florida Burrowing Owl.

Lock 7: Jaycee Park

Okee-Tantie Recreation Area

Prairie Bird Driving Loops

Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area

Four miles north of the City of Okeechobee lies Taylor Creek STA, a little-known but outstanding destination for wildlife watchers and photographers in winter, spring and fall. South Florida’s stormwater treatment areas are engineered wetlands which help protect the water quality of Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades; they also provide superb wildlife habitat to boot.

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