At the end of the old Kissimmee River, on the north side of S-65E, you’ll find an expanse of thick marsh that is virtually inaccessible, except for cuts in the old river. The old river resembles the look of the C-38 Canal here because it is very wide as it runs through the overgrown marsh. The more adventurous might want to park by the marshy pasture at the north end and walk to higher ground to find a shady oak for a picnic.
Located in the Reedy Creek watershed, this area features picturesque views amid a mosaic of floodplain swamp, wet prairie, mesic flatwoods and scrub. You can enjoy this biologically diverse treasure by boat, starting from the closest boat launch at Cypress Lake.
Take a break at the “Cowboy Camp” established in the 1920s on Rough Island South, enjoy shady oaks and a large hammock on the south end of Rough Island North, or spend some time at the picnic area at the south end of Johnson Island. Hiking is best during the dry season.
At the end of the old Kissimmee River, on the north side of S-65E, you’ll find an expanse of thick marsh that is virtually inaccessible, except for cuts in the old river. The old river resembles the look of the C-38 Canal here because it is very wide as it runs through the overgrown marsh. The more adventurous might want to park by the marshy pasture at the north end and walk to higher ground to find a shady oak for a picnic.
Located along the eastern edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain, 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.
On a spring day, you will delight in watching butterflies fly from wildflower to wildflower.
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.
Take in the beauty of picturesque flowering marsh plants. Pink marsh mallow “hibiscus,” purple pickerel weed, yellow primrose, creamy water hemlock and button-bush flowers are on display. The property also features a boat ramp, surrounded by grandfather oaks, a cypress dome and cabbage palms.
At Cornwell Marsh, split by the Kissimmee River, you will find canoe and kayak access at the 4E’s non-motorized boat ramp and airboat launch off US 98.
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.
Located in the Reedy Creek watershed, this area features picturesque views amid a mosaic of floodplain swamp, wet prairie, mesic flatwoods and scrub. You can enjoy this biologically diverse treasure by boat, starting from the closest boat launch at Cypress Lake.
Take a break at the “Cowboy Camp” established in the 1920s on Rough Island South, enjoy shady oaks and a large hammock on the south end of Rough Island North, or spend some time at the picnic area at the south end of Johnson Island. Hiking is best during the dry season.
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.
