Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

Located just west of the Kissimmee River, Hickory Hammock WMA consists of palm and xeric oak-hickory hammocks, scrub, upland pastures and floodplain marsh. Watch for Florida Scrub-Jays perched on telephone wires as you drive to the entrance, and Burrowing Owls and Crested Caracaras in the pastures along US 98. Swallow-tailed Kites, Wild Turkeys, Eastern Meadowlarks, Sandhill Cranes, and Southeastern American Kestrels can be found within the management area. Long-distance hikers will enjoy the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) which runs the full length of the WMA. Once past the Equestrian Center and campground near the northern boundary, you can continue hiking the FNST north to the Bluff Hammock Management Unit trailhead (also accessible via Bluff Hammock Rd. off US 98 for a two-car hike if desired). Just south of the Bluff Hammock trailhead, the trail leads to a boardwalk and bridge along the Kissimmee River with an impressive view of the restored river floodplain. If you want to bird via horseback (permit required), 10 miles of equestrian trails, dirt roads and fire breaks are available; access is north of the main entrance at the end of McArthur Rd. 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 and seasonal hunting occurs at this site; please click here for dates, regulations and more information.