Kissimmee River Public Use Area: Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area

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.

Frog Pond Public Small Game Hunting Area

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.

Kissimmee River Public Use Area: Cornwell Marsh

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.

Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW)

The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW), located in Lee and Collier counties, provides natural flood protection, water purification and aquifer recharge. The watershed also serves as an important habitat for species such as the endangered Florida panther, snail kite and wood stork. CREW is known for its spring wildflowers, although you may find flowers blooming at any time. CREW includes the CREW Marsh and Cypress Dome Trails, Flint Pen Strand and Bird Rookery Swamp.

Kissimmee River Public Use Area: Chandler Slough

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.

Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Wildlife Management Area: Catfish Creek

Nestled on the shores of Lake Hatchineha, this area offers many recreational opportunities and beautiful vistas.

Catfish Creek is a popular landing for airboats. When the water level is high, you can enjoy a canoe or kayak ride along the cypress strand. Paddle between marshy vegetation on the lakeside and cypress on the land side, or explore the property by foot along grassy trails. Watch for wildlife, including wading birds, deer, turkey, alligators, bald eagles and turtles.