Florida Trail Hike - KICCO Wildlife Management Area

This ended up being a 10.1 mile hike through a variety of terrain.  It started through some stately oaks. We walked through some open prairie for about 2.5 miles on the section of the trail that ran parallel to the Kissimmee Rver. As we walked near the river there was a large flock oh turkey buzzards giving us the eye. Fortunately we were walking fast enough for them to lose interest. In the flock was a very odd looking buzzard. It turned out to be a crested caracara (a large bird of prey). It seems that they like to hang out together. A first for me.

We got a taste of Florida scrub and some palm and oak forest at the end. 

There were two of us on this hike which had us on the trail for 4 hours and 15 minutes.

This will be a south to north, one-way hike on the Florida Trail, and will run through the Kicco Wildlife Management Area. It will be approximately 10.8 miles in length. The trail will parallel the Kissimmee River and will run along the river for about one mile. 

The trail will run through some pine forests, wetlands, and along a dike.

You will need comfortable shoes, a hat, and plenty of water. The temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80's during the day. Be sure to bring food for snacks and maybe lunch.

We plan to leave the meeting place at 9:00 AM sharp for the trailheads. Do not be late.

KICCO is pronounced Kisso. It stands for the Kissimmee Island Cattle Company that was active from 1915 trhough the late 20's.

Allow for 6 hours of hiking time.