Aloft
It isn't rare for winds to streak across the surface of Lake Okeechobee, picking up speed as they travel. But some mornings are windier than others, and this was one of them.
Big O Hike
Nine days, 109 miles: that's the circuit around Lake Okeechobee to complete a walk around the second largest lake inside American borders on the Big O Hike.
Clewiston
Clewiston, the center of the sugar cane industry in South Florida, is perched along the rim of one of America's largest lakes, Lake Okeechobee.
Clif J. Betts Jr. Lakeside Recreation Area
Also known as Lake Okeechobee Lakeside Recreation Area, this waterfront park in Okeechobee offers expansive views of the big lake from its shoreline and pier.
Fisheating Creek
Beloved of paddlers and largely protected by Fisheating Creek WMA, South Florida's wildest waterway rises south of Lake Placid and flows towards Lake Okeechobee.
Florida Trail, Clewiston to South Bay
Clewiston South Bay 13.8 miles13.8 miles. One of the most accessible segments of the Big O provides some of the best views of Lake Okeechobee from the dike.
Florida Trail, Henry Creek to Okeechobee
Okeechobee 8.6 miles8.6 miles. Along the north shoreline of Lake Okeechobee, this paved segment of the Florida Trail is one of its prettiest, offering sweeping views of the lake.
Florida Trail, Indian Prairie to Okee-Tantie
Okeechobee Lakeport 10.4 miles10.4 miles. Along the vast marshes that buffer Buckhead Ridge, the sweep of the Florida Trail past Indian Prairie leads up to the mouth of the Kissimmee River.
Florida Trail, Lakeport to Indian Prairie
Lakeport 11.9 miles11.9 miles. In the sweep of the Herbert Hoover Dike past Lakeport, the Florida Trail overlooks the vast western marshes of Lake Okeechobee.
Florida Trail, Moore Haven to Clewiston
Moore Haven Clewiston 11.8 miles11.8 miles. On a southbound hike between Moore Haven and Clewiston, arrive at sunrise for the best light show on Lake Okeechobee.
Florida Trail, Moore Haven to Lakeport
Moore Haven Lakeport 10.3 milesLeaving the Caloosahatchee River to dip through the Fisheating Creek floodplain, this hike on the western side of Lake Okeechobee is all about the marshes.
Florida Trail, Okee-tantie to Platts Bluff
Kissimmee PUA 14.9 miles14.9 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.