Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of several miles of established, multi-use trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Some are wet, so be prepared. Trail use is best during the drier, winter months.

In addition, the canal levees provide great hiking, bicycling and horseback riding opportunities. The area is great for observing wildlife. Alligators, otters, bobcats, deer, hogs, and several species of wading birds and hawks are commonly seen.

The Taylor Creek Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) is located east of Taylor Creek on a portion of publicly held land previously known as the Grassy Island Ranch in Okeechobee County. The area features a stand of ancient cypress trees. Native wildlife species and a variety of birds can also be seen here.

This STA removes phosphorus from water headed to Lake Okeechobee.

The Rocky Glades area provide access to the L-31 Canal levees. From the levee, you can access flow ways available for small game and duck hunting managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The 100-acre, FWC-managed, Frog Pond Dove Field is the only one of its kind in southeastern Florida and is available for seasonal quota hunting. A boat ramp located on the north side of Ingraham Highway can be used for kayak/canoe access into the L-31 Canal.

Located along the eastern edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain, the Starvation Slough Airboat Launch provides access to Starvation Slough and No Name Slough. If you walk far enough west into the floodplain anywhere along No Name Slough, you will see backfilled portions of the former C-38 Canal resulting from river restoration. You may ride a horse at both sloughs.

Oak Creek has many old-growth oaks, some spanning nearly five feet in diameter. Enjoy the shade while you look toward the water’s edge.

This area offers miles of hiking and bicycling trails and accessible fishing platforms within an expanse of Everglades wetlands and muhly grass prairies dotted with tropical hardwood hammocks and cypress forests. This site provides critical habitat for the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, the American crocodile and over 200 species of birds.

Hunting is managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Visit myfwc.com for hunting dates, regulations and detailed license information.

South Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the seven-mile Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee, begins its journey at Palm Beach County’s Riverbend Park. You can rent a canoe or kayak at the park and explore the serene, cypress-soaked waters of the tannin-stained river. The river meanders north through the District’s Loxahatchee River/Cypress Creek Management Area and then on to Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which is pronounced kiss-oh, is a place where you can get the real feel of “Old Florida.” In this region you will enjoy a rich patchwork of habitat extremes from scrub to marsh.

Experience the natural beauty of this area by camping at any of the five primitive campsites, bicycling a ten-mile dirt road, hiking 11 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, or riding your own horse. Remember your fishing pole. Bass lurk in the waters of the C-38 Canal and the oxbows of the Old Kissimmee River.

The Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp Area features boat ramps and an airboat ramp. It also has access to the Hickory Hammock trailhead with primitive camping and parking for equestrian trailers.

Majestic live oaks line both sides of the hiking trail as you enter Hickory Hammock. Marshes, patches of scrub and oak, along with hickory and cabbage palm hammocks await exploration. With all of this diversity, it’s easy to see why Hickory Hammock is a stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail and the Everglades Trail.

Majestic live oaks line both sides of the hiking trail as you enter Hickory Hammock. Marshes, patches of scrub and oak, along with hickory and cabbage palm hammocks await exploration. With all of this diversity, it’s easy to see why Hickory Hammock is a stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail and the Everglades Trail.

The Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp Area features boat ramps and an airboat ramp. It also has access to the Hickory Hammock trailhead with primitive camping and parking for equestrian trailers.

The Frog Pond area provide access to the L-31 Canal levees. From the levee, you can access flow ways available for small game and duck hunting managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The 100-acre, FWC-managed, Frog Pond Dove Field is the only one of its kind in southeastern Florida and is available for seasonal quota hunting. A boat ramp located on the north side of Ingraham Highway can be used for kayak/canoe access into the L-31 Canal.