The only free-flowing waterway connected to Lake Okeechobee, Fisheating Creek winds across an assortment of pastures and wild landscapes along its length of over 40 miles.
Located along US 27 on its north banks, Fisheating Creek Outpost offers camping and day use access to the cypress-lined blackwater creek.
A 0.3 mile long section of the Knobby Knee Trail focuses on accessibility from the parking area to the creek, showcasing bottomland forests and an abundance of cypress knees.
Near the end of the boardwalk, a well-marked loop trail explores seasonally flooded swamps and shady oak hammocks.
Along the boardwalkResources
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Overview
Location: Palmdale
Length: 1.7 miles
Trailhead: 26.939417, -81.319472
Address: 7555 US 27 North, Palmdale
Fees: $4 per person, waived if camping.
Restrooms: Yes, at the Outpost near the trailhead
Land manager: FWC / Fisheating Creek Outpost
Phone: 863-675-5999
Open Mon-Thu 9AM-5PM, Fri 9AM-8PM, Sat 8AM-8PM, Sun 8AM-5PM. Well-behaved pets allowed, additional $2 entrance fee per pet.
Jan through May are the best months to hike this trail if you wish to keep your feet dry.
Directions
This hike is located inside Fisheating Creek Outpost, which is just north of SR 29 along US 27 in Palmdale, 16 miles north of Moore Haven on the west side of the highway.
Hike
Starting at an accessible parking space next to the group camping area, follow a concrete sidewalk to a metal gate at the trailhead.
The paved walkway continues down a grassy causeway for a tenth of a mile before reaching an impressive boardwalk decked with composite boards.
Trailhead gateWhile the elevated walkway is narrow, several pull-offs are built into the structure, allowing folks traveling in opposite directions to pass one another.
Dense clusters of ferns line the boardwalk as it ventures into the floodplain forest under the cover of cabbage palms, red maples and large oaks.
Concrete walkway and boardwalkCypress knees dot the forest floor where tall bald cypress trees rise above the canopy. At a junction of trails at 0.3 mile, a set of steps descends from the boardwalk.
Turn left to follow the walkway for another 200 feet, ending at a viewing platform alongside the creek.
Boardwalk through the floodplainThe overlook provides sweeping panoramic views of Fisheating Creek. Depending on recent rains and the time of year, it may not be just a wide flowing waterway.
When water levels are high, look out over a collection of braided streams and sloughs swarming across the floodplain.
Fisheating Creek overlookReturn to the steps and leave the boardwalk. Blue blazes lead north along a shortcut back to the trailhead for a simple loop of 0.7 miles.
For the longer hike, follow the yellow blazes heading towards the creek.
Cypress trees increase in number and the understory transitions to grass as yellow blazes lead deeper into the floodplain, reaching the creek’s sandy banks in a quarter mile.
Turning north to parallel Fisheating Creek, follow trail markers as the route winds through a labyrinth of trees with distinct waterlines a few feet up each trunk.
Creekside oakAt 0.7 mile, a spur trail marked with blue blazes leads out to a scenic bluff overlooking a picturesque bend in the creek.
Taking this side trip adds 0.3 miles to the overall length of the hike. The views are certainly worth the detour.
View from the bluffReturn to the main loop. A worn track crosses a pasture of tall grasses towards an oak hammock where the path turns east at a barbed wire fence.
The trail skirts along the fence line for the most part, passing huge live oaks covered with bromeliads and Spanish moss, before finishing the loop portion at 1.6 miles.
From this point, follow the sidewalk for another tenth of a mile back to the trailhead.
Live oak laden with air plantsTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Fisheating Creek WMA
Fisheating Creek WMA In the wilds of South Central Florida, Fisheating Creek has always been a favorite for paddlers. Four trails also provide access for hikers to enjoy these lush surroundings on foot.Video
Hiking the Knobby Knee Trail
Slideshow
See our pre-boardwalk photos from this hike
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