The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST) is a 109-mile multi-use path around Lake Okeechobee, the seventh largest lake in the United States and the largest in the state of Florida. The trail began as the Okeechobee Segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST), a 1,000 mile trail that runs from Miami to Pensacola. The USDA and National Forest Service dedicated the Okeechobee Segment as part of the FNST in 1993.[1] Most of the trail is atop the 35-feet tall Herbert Hoover Dike.[2] The trail crosses five counties, Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Martin and Palm Beach. Many stretches run along state and county highways, including Florida State Road 78.
| Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail | |
|---|---|
| Length | 109 mi (175 km) |
| Location | Clewiston, Florida, United States |
| Season | Year round |
| Sights | Lake Okeechobee |
| Hazards | Sunburn Heat stroke Alligators Pythons Traffic |
| Surface | Asphalt grass dirt concrete |
Facilities
editThere are 13 camping areas around the trail, most of which have no water or sanitation facilities.[2] While the trail circumnavigates the entire lake, there are portions in which the traveler must come down from the levee. In these areas, they may encounter heavy traffic and/or alligators.[3] Because most of the trail runs atop a levee, there is very little shelter from the Florida sun,[4] and running off the edge may result in a dangerous, rapid descent.[5]
Restrictions
editBecause the trail is administered by the federal government, firearms are prohibited. Groundfires are prohibited, pets must be kept on a leash, and all trash must be carried out.[3]
Closures
editBecause of the age of the dike and the instability of the terrain, there are frequent partial closures of the trail.[6] A thirty-mile section[5] from Mayaca to Canal Point is currently closed for renovation of the levee.[7] Additionally, the portion of the trail running from Taylor Creek to Nubbin Slough section, the portion from Pahokee to Torry Island section, South Bay to Clewiston and Liberty Point to Lakeport section of the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail as well as a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail are closed for extensive dike rehabilitation work. The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains the trail and posts information about trail conditions on their website.[8]
Access points
editAccording to the Corps of Engineers, the following access points are available:[9]
- Nubbin Slough 27°11′35″N 80°45′50″W / 27.193°N 80.7639°W
- Belle Glade 26°42′13″N 80°42′48″W / 26.7037°N 80.7134°W
- Fisheating Creek South 26°55′23″N 81°07′18″W / 26.9231°N 81.1217°W
- Henry Creek 27°09′47″N 80°42′58″W / 27.1631°N 80.716°W
- South Bay 26°40′59″N 80°43′49″W / 26.683°N 80.7303°W
- Fisheating Creek North 26°58′16″N 81°07′03″W / 26.9711°N 81.1175°W
- Chancy Bay 27°05′26″N 80°39′41″W / 27.0905°N 80.6615°W
- John Stretch Park 26°41′55″N 80°48′28″W / 26.6985°N 80.8079°W
- Bare Beach 27°00′10″N 81°03′08″W / 27.0029°N 81.0522°W
- Port Mayaca North 26°45′23″N 80°55′02″W / 26.7564°N 80.9173°W
- Clewiston East 26°59′54″N 81°04′04″W / 26.9984°N 81.0677°W
- Harney Pond Canal 26°59′31″N 80°37′19″W / 26.992°N 80.6219°W
- Port Mayaca South 26°58′53″N 80°37′01″W / 26.9814°N 80.6169°W
- Clewiston West 26°45′44″N 80°55′22″W / 26.762247°N 80.922811°W
- Indian Prairie Canal 27°03′57″N 80°58′41″W / 27.0657°N 80.9781°W
- Canal Point 26°52′07″N 80°37′45″W / 26.8685°N 80.6291°W
- Liberty Point 26°48′43″N 80°59′06″W / 26.812°N 80.985°W
- Kissimmee River 27°09′10″N 80°52′00″W / 27.1528°N 80.8666°W
- Pahokee 26°49′30″N 80°39′59″W / 26.8251°N 80.6665°W
- Moore Haven East 26°50′18″N 81°04′56″W / 26.8383°N 81.0822°W
- Okeechobee 27°11′48″N 80°49′51″W / 27.1966°N 80.8308°W
- Rardin Park 26°44′59″N 80°41′01″W / 26.7497°N 80.6836°W
- Moore Haven West 26°50′30″N 81°05′22″W / 26.8416°N 81.0894°W
References
edit- ^ "Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail". State of Florida Office of Greenways and Trails. Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ a b "Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ a b "Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ "LOST Port Mayaca to 50E". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ a b SOBCZAK, charles (26 January 2011). "LOST Trail offers unparalleled views and challenges". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ Ahart, Mike (10 December 2013). "Corps to close section of Lake O. Scenic Trail". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ Little, Scott. "Cycling in the Glades: Lake Okeechobee". Retrieved 20 May 2016.
- ^ "Lake Okeechobee and Florida National Scenic Trails CURRENT CLOSURES" (PDF). US Army Corps of Engineers. Retrieved 1 October 2016.
- ^ "Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (LOST)". US Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District. Retrieved 20 May 2016.