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.

Chandler Slough is a beautiful tract of cypress swamp, oak and cabbage palm hammocks and marsh habitats. This is a great spot to watch wildlife, including wading birds and waterfowl, and hikers can also access the Florida National Scenic Trail which runs through the property.

To the south, overhanging oak limbs frame a view of the Old Kissimmee River as it winds its way between Telex and Yates marshes. You can also visit Seaboard Marsh to the north by boat. Watch for bluegill beds in the spring and summer in the shallows of the riverside.

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.

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.

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.

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands extends from Culter Bay to the North Homestead area and provides access to five recreation sites. This includes new facilities opening in 2025/2026 along the constructed Cutler Bay flow way and the C-102 Canal. Starting on the north end of this expansive region, the locally coined ‘Coastal Ridge Preserve’ is a hidden gem. Stroll along a short shell path and admire the restored uplands. Moving south, an overlook at the Cutler Bay flow way will provide opportunity to observe local birds in the adjacent wetland areas.

Baker Dairy is part of the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area which also includes Torrelli South, Horse Creek, Huckleberry Island, Snell Creek and Lake Marion.

Hilly scrub, pine flatwoods and riverine swamp forest provide habitat for a variety of Florida’s native plant and animal species at the Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area.

At the Torrelli South Trailhead, you can take a quiet hike along the sugar-sand hills where you may see a rare scrub jay. At lower elevations you will find shady, fern-carpeted tree hammocks.

On May 9, 2024, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board officially declared this area as a Stormwater Treatment Area (STA).

Future recreational activities at the C-44 Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) will include hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, photography and limited entry waterfowl and alligator hunts.

Located in Okeechobee County, the Nubbin Slough Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) cleans water going into Lake Okeechobee, which ultimately leads to a healthier Everglades.

The area includes many recreational opportunities. With more than seven miles of levees, this is the perfect place to access a hiking trail, go bicycling, fishing and see wildlife such as Florida sandhill cranes, snapping turtles, American bald eagles, and eastern meadowlarks.