Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

Designated as a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail in 1993, the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) is a 115-mile hike atop the Herbert Hoover Dike.  The view is extraordinary - the 35-foot elevation allows the hiker to enjoy the beauty of Lake Okeechobee, at more than 730 square miles, the second largest fresh water lake in the United States.  Other impressive sights are the fields of sugar cane with silvery tassels waving in the breeze, groves of orange trees, vibrant green crops growing in the black muck, and a variety of wildlife from egrets to alligators. You can even fish along the way.  The LOST is open year-round for a variety of uses including hiking, biking, horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, and photography.  Thirteen primitive camping sites are provided by the Corps of Engineers.  For more information, log onto Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail or Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail pdf.
 

Clewiston Walking Tours

The weather is perfect for taking one of four walking tours through the residential areas of Clewiston.   Pick up a FREE map at City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce.  The map provides Clewiston history and information about the homes  as you pass by.  All of the tours start at the historic Clewiston Inn, and depending upon the trail  you chose, you may wander by historic houses, the Roland Martin Marina, or the Clewiston Museum.   Along the way, you will enjoy watching the birds native to our area such as the egrets, blue herons, and ibises.  Take the green trail and you'll see Lake Okeechobee, the second largest lake within the United States.  The view is stunning and it's a great  place for waterfront picnicking. The trails range from  one mile to 2.9 miles and are identified by different  colored arrows on the sidewalks that correspond with the tour map.  If you are not in the mood to walk, take a driving tour.  The ride is relaxing and interesting.  Whether you are walking or riding, this is the perfect way to become acquainted with America's Sweetest Town.

Big Water Heritage Trail

Big Water Heritage Trail was officially opened in May 2003.  It is a regional driving tour on state, county, and city streets that link historical, cultural, natural, recreational, and educational points of interest in five counties surrounding Lake Okeechobee.  The counties include Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, and Palm Beach.  The Heritage Trail connects to the Lake Okeechobee Segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail whereby offering visitors and community members an array of recreational, education, and historical opportunities.  Highway signs and brochures direct the motorists to points of interest where they will find informative kiosks and outdoor interpretive and recreational activities at destinations such as Florida's state parks and preserves, federal parks and reserves, and cultural points of interest.

To get your copy of the brochure, which includes a guide map, stop by the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, motels, and other businesses and destination sites along the Trail.  You can also contact Jennifer Pellechio at the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council by calling 239-656-7720 ext 218 or emailing jpellechio@swfrpc.org.  The brochure, along with roadway trail blazing signage, routes visitors to key destinations along the Trail.