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Length: 40.5 miles (linear) This section of the Florida Trail follows the Herbert Hoover Dike and a three mile stretch of SR 78 (across Fisheating Creek floodplain) around the northwest side of Lake Okeechobee. This is the most remote and scenic stretch of the levee, where views of the lake yield to views across expansive marshes like the palmetto-dotted Indian Prairie. Views away from the lake include sugar cane fields stretching to the horizon, and scenic cattle ranches with prairies, palm hammocks and remnants of the original lakeshore.
 The marshlands and trees attract an abundance of wildlife. Birders especially enjoy this section for the number of species that can be spotted, including meadowlarks racing along the dike, flocks of sandhill cranes gathering on the prairies within the cattle ranches, and wading birds such as egrets, herons, and wood storks. White pelicans have been spotted here, as well as swallow-tailed kites. Small mammals seen along the marsh edge include nutria, otters, and raccoons.
Hikers pass several navigational locks and pumping stations that are features of the flood control works protecting the lands around the lake. One of the more unusual man-made features is known as the “Hiker’s Graveyard,” a collection of granite slabs driven into the dike to add stability.
Fisheating Creek is the only waterway that retains its natural flow into Lake Okeechobee, so there are several miles where there is no dike along the creek’s floodplain. Hikers must follow the berm of SR 78 to resume walking atop the dike.
 The north end of this section is at Okee-Tantie Recreation Area. The south end is at Liberty Point boat launch near Uncle Joe's Fish Camp northwest of Clewiston.
Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey.
Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc. Day use parking in this section includes Okee-tantie Recreation Area, Margaret van de Velde Park, Fisheating Creek Wayside, and Alvin Ward Park in Moore Haven. End point is Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp
At Clewiston, advise police of overnight parking. At Moore Haven, Harney Pond, and Indian Prairie, advise U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of overnight parking. Campsites C-5A campsite, Lakeport campsite, Indian Prairie campsite, Buckhead Ridge campsite Gateway Communities Moorehaven Hiking is high and dry on the Herbert Hoover Dike. The trail has no shade and follows long, straight stretches. Some road walking is required to cross canal inlets and the Fisheating Creek floodplain. The trail is long and exposed to sun and the weather. Be prepared, and plan carefully. Wear protection from the sun, and be prepared for mosquitoes. Camping is permitted on the sides of the dike; however, it is recommended that you camp at the designated campsites marked along the trail. Do not camp on the top of the dike as there is occasional vehicle usage for maintenance. Call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (863-983-8101) for information. |
Hiking 
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