• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Florida Hikes logo

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

  • Trails
  • Maps
  • Guidebooks
  • Search
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
  • Hike
    • Scenic Hikes
    • Loop Trails
    • Dog-friendly Hikes
    • Hikes for Kids
    • National Parks in Florida
    • Florida State Parks
  • Bike
    • Major Bike Trails
    • Paved Bike Trails
    • Off Road Biking
    • Biking Articles
  • Paddle
    • Canoe & Kayak Rentals
    • Paddling Destinations
    • Paddling Articles
  • Camp
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Car Camping
    • Primitive Camping
  • Florida Trail
    • Plan your Hike
    • Best Scenic Hikes
    • Best Backpacking
    • Section Hiking
    • Thru-Hiking
    • Trail Updates
  • Travel
Oak canopy at KICCO South

Florida Trail, Kissimmee

111.3 miles. Following the Kissimmee River floodplain, this is a scenic section of the Florida Trail with a mix of levees, shady woods, river views, open prairies, and cattle ranches.

Florida National Scenic Trail  |  Basinger, Kenansville, Okeechobee
( 27.152740, -80.867500 )      111.3 miles

206 shares

Florida Trail Kissimmee section

111.3 miles. Fort Pierce, Kenansville, Lake Wales, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Sebring, Yeehaw Junction

Following the Kissimmee River north, the Florida Trail heads into the heart of Florida’s cattle country. Okeechobee is well known for its ranches, which the trail crosses and skirts along public lands in the river floodplain.

From its once sinuous path, the Kissimmee River was straightened into a ditch more than a half-century ago by the Army Corps of Engineers, causing much harm to Lake Okeechobee.

Florida Trail Kissimmee
Florida Trail along the restored Kissimmee River basin at Micco

It’s been more than a decade since river restoration work started, breaking down dikes and dams to restore portions of the old floodplain channel, and it is slow work.

It’s been a lot of work for trail maintainers, too. As the waters rise, the trail gets rerouted.

The most significant reroute, nearly 50 miles long, was the switch from the west side of the Kissimmee River north of Basinger to the east side in 2014.


<< Okeechobee Orlando >> Western Corridor >>


Resources

Florida Trail Hikes book cover The Florida Trail Guide book cover South Florida Explorers Guide book cover Florida Trail history book

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.

 
Guthook GuidesGuthook Guides GPS-driven map-based guide to the Florida National Scenic Trail with thousands of waypoints from The Florida Trail Guide. Works offline. For iPhone and Android.


Trip Planning

CAMPING AND LODGING

Random camping is not permitted along the Kissimmee section. Free permits are required for all Southwest Florida Water Management campsites between Yates Marsh and Three Lakes WMA.

You can obtain them online as needed or call 561-924-5310 x3333 on weekdays 9-4.

There is a small fee for using the designated primitive campsites inside Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Pay when you reach the ranger station.

Micco Landing campsite
Micco Landing campsite

A free permit is required for use of primitive campsites in Prairie Lakes, including Dry Pond Camp, Lake Jackson Campground, and Parker Hammock Camp.

Thru hikers only need a Lake Jackson permit. Call 352-732-1225. Cell coverage is poor within this portion of Three Lakes WMA so do so in advance if possible.

Walk-in accommodations are available at Westgate River Ranch. Rooms start around $180 but a discount may be offered on weekdays. Ask. Camping at River Ranch is $48 and includes access to a very nice bathhouse.

DOGS

Dogs are welcome along this section of the trail. If you bring your dog with you, be mindful of the alligator population along the waterways that serve as water sources for you and your dog.

WILDLIFE

Alligators are common in the Kissimmee River marshes and the canal systems that connect to it. The largest alligators are said to be in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, which is also the home of a rare colony of whooping cranes.

Kissimmee Prairie was the last known place where flocks of Carolina parakeets were last seen before they went extinct in 1918 due to over-hunting for plumage. A monument at the park office showcases this little-known fact.

Deer are common residents of the hardwood hammocks along this section, and we’ve been startled by very large wild hogs more than once. You’ll see gopher tortoises throughout the upland sections, as well as flocks of wild turkeys.

WATER

Water along this route has agricultural runoff in it. Potable water sources are limited.

Park staff strongly advises against filtering water along Military Trail in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park because of the alligators. Avoid filtering water near culverts, since alligators often den inside them.

If you need to filter water, don’t do so at dawn or dusk, when you might be mistaken for a deer by a prowling alligator.

Along this section, you’ll need to cross the Kissimmee River twice. Once is along the infamous SR 60 roadwalk using the highway bridge. The other is across the S-65A Lock between Kissimmee Prairie and KICCO.

Provided the lock is not in operation, use the pedestrian gates to cross the lock during the following hours: Mon-Fri 7 AM-6 PM, Sat-Sun 5:30 AM-7:30 PM (Mar-Oct), 5:30 AM-6:30 PM (Nov-Feb).

HUNTING SEASON

This entire section of the trail is open to hunting with the exception of roadwalks and the portions at Westgate River Ranch and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Wear a bright orange shirt or vest during hunting seasons.

In advance of your hike, check the FWC website for hunting season dates for Yates Marsh, Chandler Slough, Micco Bluff, Starvation Slough, KICCO, Three Lakes WMA, and Prairie Lakes.

This region is very popular with deer hunters. We counted more deer stands per mile through Three Lakes WMA than anywhere else along the entire Florida Trail.

Airboats can surprise you at any time along the dikes and marshes adjoining the Kissimmee River. They are boats run by a large high-powered fan, so they can also run across shallow marshes and land.

RESUPPLY

Most of this section is well away from any communities big enough for a store. Okeechobee is an important resupply stop for northbound thru-hikers.

There is a small country store in Basinger on US 98 about a mile from the trail crossing.

Westgate River Ranch is the next resupply stop within an easy walk of the trail. Their General Store has a deli and a Starbucks.

Items are expensive, but it’s your only option along this section other than a maildrop to River Ranch.

River Ranch
General Store at River Ranch

At the north end of the section, Kenansville has decent basic resupply and hot food at the Kenansville Country Store.

However, that’s if you can catch a ride there. It’s about 8 miles south of the trail.

PARKING & SHUTTLE

It’s best to leave a car behind the gates of a recreation area or park when backpacking.

Gate codes and parking passes are available from South Florida Water Management District through the same website you use to reserve campsites.

If you need assistance with a shuttle, join the Florida Trail Hikers Facebook group and ask for assistance.

There are a number of volunteers in the area who can help. The trail isn’t close to many communities, so they have to come a very, very long way. Be sure to compensate them for their gas and time.

Driving distances in this region are enormous. It can take an hour and a half to drive between Kissimmee Prairie Preserve and the KICCO lock, for instance, which is otherwise a 12 mile hike.

SAFETY

Flooding

Flooding is a serious concern along this section of the Kissimmee River, since the Florida Trail sticks to the low-lying areas along its floodplain.

Always check on flood conditions in advance of your hike, and keep alert to changing weather conditions.

South Florida Water Management District can provide information on river levels and flooding along this section of the trail: 1-866-433-6312

Because of its proximity to deep sloughs and steep drop-offs, the trail can be dangerous when flooded. Do not enter flowing water.

Roadwalks

Long distance hikers will deal with a handful of roadwalks along the Kissimmee section, connecting together public lands that don’t quite touch.

Most are short connectors. A handful are on unpaved roads used by visitors accessing recreation areas. A couple are along major highways: US 98 and SR 60.

The most dangerous of these is the roadwalk between KICCO and Three Lakes along SR 60. It stretches 5.3 miles along a two-lane high speed highway with heavy traffic.

Stay well off the road shoulder. The north side of the highway has the broader shoulder.

Be cautious on the roadwalk between SR 70 and Platts Bluff since the road is narrow and drivers aren’t expecting hikers.

People

Watch out for distracted drivers along the roadwalk sections of this hike. John was run off the road on his approach to Platts Bluff by a driver who then backed up and cursed him out for being there.

You’ll encounter people driving in to the various vehicle-accessible campsites within the Kissimmee PUA, KICCO WMA, and Three Lakes WMA. At Westgate River Ranch, expect to encounter both residents and tourists.

If you get into an uncomfortable situation, move on and/or call law enforcement. Camp hosts are at the WMAs during hunting seasons.


Mileages

Important landmarks along the Kissimmee section with mile 0 at Scott Driver Park / SR 78 in Okee-tantie to Canoe Creek Road north of Kenansville.

0.0 – Scott Driver Park
9.2 – SR 70
14.8 – Platts Bluff County Park
18.1 – Yates Marsh trailhead
18.9 – Chandler Slough trailhead
21.6 – Chandler Slough East trailhead
28.3 – Micco Landing trailhead
39.9 – Oak Creek trailhead
42.3 – Starvation Slough trailhead
63.0 – Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park office
73.6 – S-65A Lock
75.3 – Town of KICCO Campground
77.1 – Rattlesnake Hammock trailhead
84.2 – KICCO trailhead
84.9 – Westgate River Ranch Resort
89.2 – Osceola FMA parking area
96.1 – Three Lakes trailhead
107.8 – Lake Jackson Campground
111.2 – Prairie Lakes trailhead
111.3 – Canoe Creek Road

Trail Maps

Florida Trail Kissimmee section map

Guthook GuidesGuthook Guides GPS-based maps and logistics for hiking the Florida Trail. Available for iPhone and Android.


Trail Segments

These are the trail segments that make up the Florida Trail along the Kissimmee section, south to north.

Florida Trail Okee-Tantie

Florida Trail, Okee-tantie to Platts Bluff

14.9 miles. Panoramic views across cattle ranches and the channelized Kissimmee River are the highlights of this connector from Lake Okeechobee to natural lands north of Okeechobee

Florida Trail Yates Marsh

Florida Trail, Yates Marsh

3.3 miles. Weaving between oak hammocks and pastureland along the Kissimmee River, Yates Marsh is not a wet walk but a pleasant linear hike.

Florida Trail Chandler Slough East

Florida Trail, Chandler Slough East

2.7 miles. Burrow deep into the oak hammocks surrounding a beauty spot of the campsite near the Kissimmee River on this short but satisfying hike

Backpackers at Chandler Slough

Florida Trail, Chandler Slough West

3.7 miles. It looks like a mountain ridge from a distance, but Chandler Slough is a ribbon of cypress strand through the flat Okeechobee prairies. Follow its rim through beautiful oak hammocks and soggy marshes.

Prairie on a cattle ranch at Micco

Florida Trail, Micco Bluff

11.4 miles. Ancient riverside forests and picturesque prairie panoramas along the Kissimmee River make a hike to Micco Bluff worth the walk

Starvation Slough Cathedral South

Florida Trail, Starvation Slough

7.7 miles. Discover a natural cathedral of ancient oaks and palms along a thin ribbon of public land fronting the Kissimmee River floodplain

Cow Camp Trail

Florida Trail, Kissimmee Prairie South

13.3 miles. Hike the southern extent of one of Florida’s largest prairie ecosystems while connecting the Kissimmee River with the heart of Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Kissimmee Prairie along the Florida Trail

Florida Trail, Kissimmee Prairie North

11.4 miles. See why Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is Florida’s only Dark Sky Park along this “big sky” section of the Florida Trail

Long Hammock at KICCO

Florida Trail, KICCO South

10.1 miles. Ancient live oaks break up the expanse of cattle pastures and prairies along the Florida Trail adjoining the Kissimmee River in KICCO

FT KICCO North curve

Florida Trail, KICCO North

3.4 miles. Take in a panorama of marshes busy with birds in the Kissimmee River floodplain at River Ranch along the northernmost reaches of the Kissimmee River

We have not yet written up details for the following trail segments northbound.

8.2 miles. Three Lakes South
7.2 miles. Prairie Lakes


Gaps

S-65A to Platts Bluff. 6.5 miles. Between the S-65A Lock and SR 70, traffic is almost non-existent. North of SR 70, the road leads into a dead-end community but is very narrow with no shoulders and has a sharp curve at one point. Residents drive fast.

Micco Bluff to Starvation Slough. 2.4 miles. Traffic is low along this dead-end road north of Basinger, which is mainly used by local ranchers and hunters / airboaters accessing the public lands that the Florida Trail crosses.

River Ranch. 2.3 miles. Traffic is minor along this jog through a commercial vacation destinations, but hikers must walk from the KICCO WMA main gate to a stile into the Packingham section of KICCO along the roads of River Ranch.

SR 60 / Three Lakes. 7.2 miles. The most dangerous roadwalk on the Florida Trail, SR 60 combines heavy high speed traffic with narrow shoulders and many semi trucks passing by. After 5 miles northbound, the trail turns off onto a lesser-traveled dirt entrance road into Three Lakes WMA for another 2.2 miles in the sun up to the trailhead.

Due to high speed traffic on highways, we do not recommend hiking the gaps unless you are working on a section or thru-hike and don’t want to skip it.


Loop & Side Trails

Loop and side trails in the Kissimmee section provide excellent destinations for day hikes and overnighters.

In Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, dozens of different routes can be explored on foot or by horseback or mountain bike through their extensive trail system across the prairies and marshlands.

We feature different routes at Prairie Lakes in two of our books – Florida Trail Hikes and 50 Hikes in Central Florida – because it’s such a compelling place to hike.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Enjoy Florida’s own big sky at the only state park in Florida where starry skies fill the horizon and an extensive network of trails – including the Florida Trail – provides access for exploration

Kilpatrick Hammock Trail

Kilpatrick Hammock Trail

Sample habitats found around the hammocks that dot the vast Kissimmee Prairie with this short loop around an old homestead site

White blazed post in pine savanna

Prairie Lakes Loop

Enjoy the counterpoint of moss-draped oak hammocks and expansive prairies at Prairie Lakes along one of the older and more beloved pieces of the Florida Trail.

Prairie Loop Trail

Prairie Loop Trail

On a day hike into one of our state’s largest prairies, sample Florida’s own big sky at the state’s first International Dark Sky Park


Florida Trail Connections

These sections of the Florida Trail connect to the Kissimmee section.

Cypress Lakes Preserve

Florida Trail, Western Corridor

Florida Trail, Western Corridor
Florida Trail at Forever Florida

Florida Trail, Orlando

Florida Trail, Orlando
Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Recent Articles

Kissimmee River levee breach

When the levee breaks…

August 1, 2017//  by Sandra Friend

…Mama, you got to move. And so it goes for the Florida Trail, as the flood-induced breach in a levee along the Kissimmee River south of KICCO means the trail must move in order for clear passage north from Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.

Florida Trail along the Kissimmee River

November 12, 2014//  by Sandra Friend

The move of the Florida Trail to the east side of the Kissimmee River is the longest and most significant trail relocation seen in many years. As it changed in December 2013, the new route is not included in The Florida Trail Guide, so please print these details to replace what is in your book …

All Articles & Hikes Interactive Map

Category: Backpacking, Central Florida, Day Hikes, Florida Trail, Hikes, South Florida, TrailsTag: Florida Trail, Fort Pierce, Frostproof, Kenansville, Kissimmee River, Lake Wales, Locations, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Sebring, Yeehaw Junction

Have an update? Contact us.

Primary Sidebar

Our Florida Trail Books

The Florida Trail Guide

The Florida Trail GuideThe comprehensive mile-by-mile guidebook to planning section and thru-hikes along the entire length of the Florida Trail. 356 pages, $19.95 + tax and shipping.

Order Now


Florida Trail Hikes

Florida Trail HikesFifty of the best day hikes, overnights, and weekend trips on the Florida Trail, plus nine of the best section hikes. Full hike descriptions and maps, full color. 376 pages. $24.95 + tax and shipping.

Order Now
 


Discovering the Florida Trail

Florida Trail mini coffee table book cover of trail into palm hammock
Our virtual walk along the length of the Florida Trail, covering more than 1,500 miles from the Everglades to Pensacola Beach. Hardcover, 196 pages. $24.95 + tax and shipping.

Order Now


The Florida Trail

Florida Trail large coffee table book cover of trail down swamp causeway under ancient pines

Our history of the first 50 years of the Florida Trail, from its founding in 1966 to becoming a National Scenic Trail to volunteer efforts today.

Learn More

The Florida Trail App

Comprehensive logistics and offline maps all in one: The Florida Trail Guide is now also an interactive map-based mile-by-mile app by Guthook Guides.

Get the App!

Florida Trail Updates


Get periodic recaps of changes to the Florida Trail, which we accumulate between editions of our guidebook. Find all official Trail Closures & Notices here.

Hiking the Florida Trail

  • Florida Trail Overview
  • Plan your Hike
  • Choose the Right Gear
  • Best Scenic Hikes
  • Best Backpacking Trips
  • Section Hiking
  • Thru-Hiking
  • Eastern Continental Trail
  • Florida Trail in South Florida
  • Florida Trail in Central Florida
  • Florida Trail in North Florida
  • Florida Trail in Northwest Florida
  • Florida Trail for Scouting
  • Florida Trail Adventures
  • Florida Trail Updates

Florida Trail by Section

Porter Lake, Apalachicola National Forest

Florida Trail, Apalachicola

Florida Trail, Apalachicola
Florida Trail Big Bend view

Florida Trail, Big Bend

Florida Trail, Big Bend
Florida Trail Big Cypress

Florida Trail, Big Cypress

Florida Trail, Big Cypress

Florida Trail, Blackwater

Florida Trail, Blackwater
Florida Trail Nokuse

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle

Florida Trail, Central Panhandle
Eglin Weaver Creek

Florida Trail, Eglin

Florida Trail, Eglin
Florida Trail Kissimmee

Florida Trail, Kissimmee

Florida Trail, Kissimmee
Florida Trail at Rice Creek

Florida Trail, Northeast Florida

Florida Trail, Northeast Florida
Juniper Prairie Wilderness

Florida Trail, Ocala

Florida Trail, Ocala
Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail

Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail
Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee

Florida Trail, Okeechobee
Florida Trail at Forever Florida

Florida Trail, Orlando

Florida Trail, Orlando
Florida Trail Seashore Dunes

Florida Trail, Seashore

Florida Trail, Seashore
Florida Trail along a canal south of Clewiston

Florida Trail, Seminole

Florida Trail, Seminole
No Name Creek

Florida Trail, Suwannee

Florida Trail, Suwannee
Cypress Lakes Preserve

Florida Trail, Western Corridor

Florida Trail, Western Corridor

Footer

FIND A TRAIL OR PARK

NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Apalachicola. Apalachicola National Forest. Blackwater River State Forest. Blountstown. Bonifay. Bristol. Cape San Blas. Carrabelle. Chattahoochee. Chipley. Crawfordville. Crestview. DeFuniak Springs. Destin. Ebro. Eglin Air Force Base. Fort Walton Beach. Freeport. Gulf Islands National Seashore. Madison. Marianna. Milton. Monticello. Mossy Head. Navarre Beach . Niceville. Panama City Beach. Pensacola. Ponce De Leon. Port St. Joe. Quincy. Sopchoppy. South Walton. St. Marks. St. Marks NWR. Tallahassee. Vernon. Wakulla. Wewahitchka

NORTH FLORIDA
Alachua. Amelia Island. Baldwin. Branford. Bunnell. Cedar Key. Chiefland. Crescent City. Dowling Park. Ellaville. Fernandina Beach. Flagler Beach. Gainesville. Green Cove Springs. High Springs. Jacksonville. Keystone Heights. Lake Butler.Lake City. Live Oak. Mayo. Macclenny. Micanopy. Olustee. Orange Park. Osceola National Forest. Palatka. Palatka-Lake Butler Trail. Palm Coast. Perry. Salt Springs. St. Augustine. Starke. Steinhatchee. Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Suwannee Springs. Talbot Islands. Timucuan Preserve. Trenton. Welaka. White Springs. Williston

  • Facebook
  • Flickr
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Vimeo

MULTI-REGION
Big Cypress Swamp. East Coast Greenway. Everglades National Park. Florida National Scenic Trail

CENTRAL FLORIDA
Apopka. Belleview. Brandon. Brooksville. Bushnell. Canaveral National Seashore. Christmas. Chuluota. Clearwater Beach. Clermont. Coast to Coast Trail. Cocoa Beach. Cross Florida Greenway. Crystal River. Dade City. Daytona Beach. De Leon Springs. DeBary. Deland. Deltona. Dunedin. Dunnellon. Frostproof. Geneva. Inverness. Kenansville. Kissimmee. Lake Mary. Lake Wales. Lakeland. Largo. Leesburg. Longwood. Melbourne. Melbourne Beach. Merritt Island. Merritt Island NWR. Mims. Mount Dora. New Port Richey. New Smyrna Beach. Ocala. Ocala National Forest. Ocklawaha. Orlando. Ormond Beach. Osteen. Oviedo. Palm Bay. Ridge Manor. Sanford. Silver Springs. Spring Hill. St. Cloud. St. Petersburg. Tampa. Tarpon Springs. Titusville . Walt Disney World. Weeki Wachee. Winter Springs. Withlacoochee State Forest. Withlacoochee State Trail. Yeehaw Junction

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
Bradenton . Charlotte Harbor. Ding Darling NWR. Englewood. Estero. Fort Myers. Immokalee. Naples. Pine Island. Port Charlotte. Punta Gorda. Sanibel Island. Sarasota. Venice

SOUTH FLORIDA
Arcadia. Basinger. Big Cypress National Preserve. Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Clewiston. Everglades City. Fisheating Creek. Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. Lake Placid. LaBelle. Lakeport. Moore Haven. Okeechobee. Pahokee. Port Mayaca. Sebring. South Bay

SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Big Pine Key. Biscayne Bay. Biscayne National Park. Boca Raton. Boynton Beach. Coral Gables. Davie. Delray Beach. Northeast Everglades Natural Area. Florida Keys. Fort Lauderdale. Fort Pierce. Hobe Sound. Hollywood. Homestead. Islamorada. Jensen Beach. Jupiter. Juno Beach. Key Biscayne. Key Largo. Key West. Marathon. Miami. Ocean to Lake Greenway. Overseas Heritage Trail. Palm Beach. Port St. Lucie. Redland. Sebastian. Stuart. Vero Beach. West Palm Beach

  • Trails
  • Parks
  • Beaches
  • Gardens
  • Springs
  • Ecotours
  • Attractions
©2006-2022, Sandra Friend & John Keatley | Disclosure | Site Index | Work with Us | Advertise with Us
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy | Florida Hikes PO Box 93 Mims FL 32754| Contact