On the west shore of Lake Okeechobee and the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, historic Moore Haven is a small town that hikers pass through while circling “The Big O.” The county seat of Glades County, it offers hiking on paved and natural surface segments of the Florida Trail along the lake's extensive marshlands.
Moore Haven is the seat of Glades County and, like South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee, and Okeechobee, suffered from deadly hurricane-driven floding in 1926, which prompted construction of the Herbert Hoover Dike. Set on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River, downtown has a stretch of historic buildings below the high bridge and a landmark tree, the Lone Cypress, which guided early sailors into the Caloosahatchee River, along the river. There is a small park with picnic tables and restrooms across from the Riverwalk that starts under the bridge and follows the river west. As the trail leaves the US 27 bridge, it follows First Street north to Canal Avenue, passing Rice’s Motel on the corner. Continue east on Canal Avenue to return to the dike at Marina RV Resort.
Around Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Trail is atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, circling the second-largest fresh¬water lake entirely within the United States. Completed in 1937, this flood control structure was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in response to a 1928 hurricane that created a tidal wave that destroyed the towns anong the south edge of the lake. Before the dike was built, Lake Okeechobee’s waters flowed directly into the Everglades “river of grass,” which was drained to create agricultural lands that now support sugar cane as a major crop. The trail stays on top of the open levee with few exceptions, mainly to skirt locks and dams. There are covered benches for rest stops, designated campsites with fire ring, picnic bench and easy access to water; and plenty of opportunities to visit trail towns for groceries, lodgings and great meals at bargain prices. Enjoy fabulous views across Florida’s inland sea. The Office of Greenways and Trails has paved this section of trail over the past several years. Be alert for bicyclists, service vehicles and snakes sunning on the hot surface.
Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp. A well-loved hikers’ stop that dates back to the 1940’s. It has snacks as well as tent sites and cabins.
Alvin Ward Park. Large parking area, shaded picnic tables, trailhead access to dike. Trail leaves dike here to follow road walk into Moore Haven to skirt lock and dam.
Marina RV Park. Ask for permission to park here to access the trail.
SR 78. Where the dike ends and a new paved trail begins paralleling SR 78. A small park offers parking access
Uncle Joe’s Fish Camp— (863-983-9421) 2005 Griffin Rd SE, Moore Haven, a bit of Old Florida opened in the 1940s. Store has liquid refreshments, water, and snacks. Tent space $12.50 per night, cabins $60 and up, come fully equipped with linens and dishes. Laundry and shower room on premises.
Rice's Motel (863-946-0424) 1st St & US 27, right along the trail. Call ahead.
Marina RV Resort—(863-946-2255), 2365 US 27 N, offers tent camping $10 right along the Florida Trail. Although shady sites are at a premium, there is a pool, laundry facilities and a neat, clean bathhouse. Cabins are planned for the future.
About Us 
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Moore Haven is the seat of Glades County and, like South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee, and Okeechobee, suffered from deadly hurricane-driven floding in 1926, which prompted construction of the Herbert Hoover Dike. Set on the north shore of the Caloosahatchee River, downtown has a stretch of historic buildings below the high bridge and a landmark tree, the Lone Cypress, which guided early sailors into the Caloosahatchee River, along the river. There is a small park with picnic tables and restrooms across from the Riverwalk that starts under the bridge and follows the river west. As the trail leaves the US 27 bridge, it follows First Street north to Canal Avenue, passing Rice’s Motel on the corner. Continue east on Canal Avenue to return to the dike at Marina RV Resort. 
Around Lake Okeechobee, the Florida Trail is atop the Herbert Hoover Dike, circling the second-largest fresh¬water lake entirely within the United States. Completed in 1937, this flood control structure was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in response to a 1928 hurricane that created a tidal wave that destroyed the towns anong the south edge of the lake. Before the dike was built, Lake Okeechobee’s waters flowed directly into the Everglades “river of grass,” which was drained to create agricultural lands that now support sugar cane as a major crop. The trail stays on top of the open levee with few exceptions, mainly to skirt locks and dams. There are covered benches for rest stops, designated campsites with fire ring, picnic bench and easy access to water; and plenty of opportunities to visit trail towns for groceries, lodgings and great meals at bargain prices. Enjoy fabulous views across Florida’s inland sea. The Office of Greenways and Trails has paved this section of trail over the past several years. Be alert for bicyclists, service vehicles and snakes sunning on the hot surface. 
Florida Trail Map Brochure