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Latest update: February 2026

Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail... Northeast Section

Okeechobee to Port Mayaca - 27 miles

This section of LOST runs from the Kissimmee River at Okeechobee to Port Mayaca. The trail here is paved, running mostly along the shore of Lake Okeechobee with some of the best lake views. On the canal side, trailer parks and other development can be seen, along with agricultural fields. Trailheads with restrooms are at Okee-Tantie Recreation Area and Cliff J. Betts Recreation Area. There is one break in the trail when crossing Taylor Creek. (Map link and photos below.)

Trail Map link...
Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail

 Page Summary:

Biking on LOST - Northeast - Okeechobee to Port Mayaca - 27 miles

1. Okeechobee to Taylor Creek
   - Kissimmee River to Okeechobee Trailhead
   - Okeechobee Trailhead to Taylor Creek
2. Nubbin Slough to Port Mayaca-north
   - Nubbin Slough Access
   - Henry Creek Access
   - Chancey Bay Access
   - Port Mayaca-north

Kissimmee River to Taylor Creek - 7 miles

For casual recreational bikers looking for a scenic paved ride with diverse views, we recommend this 7-mile section (14-miles round-trip). Trailheads with facilities are at the Kissimmee River, and in Okeechobee with many nearby amenities.

Kissimmee River to Okeechobee Trailhead (4 miles)

The trail crosses the Kissimmee River along the road shoulder, then continues along SR 78 for about 4/10 mile. Along the way, it passes the Okee-Tantie and C. Scott Driver Recreation Areas before turning off onto the dike. On the dike are a covered pavilion with bench, information kiosk, and small dirt parking area. Back-up parking is at the recreation areas.

• The Okee-Tantie Recreation Area is at the mouth of the Kissimmee River, with scenic lake views. It has parking, restrooms, picnicking, and a marina. Okee-Tantie is part of the Florida Birding Trail.
• C. Scott Driver Recreation Area, along the Kissimmee River across SR 78, has parking, restrooms, and boat launch. It's popular for fishing and birdwatching.

Roadside at Kissimmee River

The trail crosses the Kissimmee River along the road shoulder then runs along SR 78 for about 4/10 mile, past the Okee-Tantie and C. Scott Driver Recreation Areas. Turn onto the dike.

• On the dike are a covered pavilion with bench, information kiosk, and small dirt parking area. Back-up parking is at the recreation areas.

Crossing the river

 

Along SR 78

 

Back onto the dike

Okee-Tantie Recreation Area

The Okee-Tantie Recreation Area is at the mouth of the Kissimmee River, with scenic lake views. It has parking, restrooms, picnicking, and a marina. It's part of the Florida Birding Trail.

• The name comes from the small historic settlement of Tantie, founded in 1896. As the area grew, it was eventually re-named to Okeechobee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

C. Scott Driver Recreation Area

C. Scott Driver Recreation Area, is across SR 78 from the trail. Located along the Kissimmee River, it's popular for fishing and birdwatching.

• Parking, restrooms, and boat launch are available.
• C. Scott Driver was a fishing guide and environmental activist who advocated for Lake Okeechobee clean-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the Dike to Okeechobee Trailhead

The trail runs along the canal, paved, with lake and marsh views and covered benches for resting. This is a good area for birdwatching.

• Mobile homes and RV parks are across the canal paralleling SR 78 for the first 1.5 miles, then the trail runs through marsh. Approaching the Okeechobee trailhead, it emerges lakeside with scenic lake views.

Onto the dike

Pavilion, parking

On the trail

 

 

Through the marsh

 

Approaching trailhead

 

 

To park entry

 

Okeechobee Trailhead
(27.19634, -80.83001)

The Cliff J. Betts Recreation Area is at the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee in the City of Okeechobee . This is a nice facility with parking, restrooms, fishing pier, and picnicking.

• The trail runs on the dike overlooking the park and lake. The long accessibility ramp provides easy trail access for bikers.

Go down the entry road, across the canal, into Okeechobee along US 441/98 for food, accommodations, shopping.

Okeechobee Trailhead to Taylor Creek (3 miles)

The trail to Taylor Creek is an easy ride with good lake views. On the canalside are businesses and mobile home parks.

• At the lock, the trail detours onto the US 441/98 to cross Taylor Creek. (In the future, a pedestrian/ bike bridge is planned, hopefully sooner than later.)
• Unfortunately property owners on the east side of Taylor Creek have blocked access back to the trail. Proceed along busy US 441/98 - being very careful - about 2 miles to Nubbin Slough Access.

Nubbin Slough Access to Port Mayaca - 18 miles

We particularly liked and recommend this portion of the trail, featuring some of the best lake views. The canal is wide and well removed from the road for a quiet ride. Across the canal becomes less developed and a lot of farmland. There are, however, no restrooms or other facilities so be prepared.

Nubbin Slough Access
(27.19428, -80.76359)

Nubbin Slough Access is located off US 441/98, with dirt parking, boat launch, and primitive campsite.

• There are two parking options: 1) just off the road, at the boat launch (to the right), or 2) lakeside, across the trail (good lake views, but very sandy).
• The trail on the dike here is paved with expansive lake views. Across the canal are businesses, homes and RV parks. Lake and canal views are mostly unchanging.

Nubbin Slough north to Taylor Creek (2.5 miles)

The trail running north ends at the lock at Taylor Creek - with access around the lock blocked, hopefully that bridge will be built someday.

Trail northbound

 

 

 

Crossing a culvert

 

Approaching Taylor Creek

End at lock

Nubbin Slough south to Henry Creek (4 miles)

Southbound, the trail crosses canal C-59 at a water control structure, then continues toward Henry Creek.

Crossing the lock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approaching Henry Creek

Henry Creek Access
(27.16315, -80.71597)

Henry Creek Access

Access is off US 441/98. Dirt parking and a boat ramp (no other facilities) are located off the road. The trail is across the canal, over a bridge and up a ramp to the trail.

Parking, boat ramp

 

Bridge over canal

 

To the dike

Lock

Up the ramp

Henry Creek to Chancey Bay (7 miles)

From the north, the trail crosses the lock at Henry Creek. The ramp runs down to parking and US 441/98. Continuing south to Chancey Bay Access, the trail runs further off the lake with marsh views.

At the lock

Canalside

Lakeside

 

Down to parking and boat ramp

Continuing south

Marsh view

 

Back onto lakeshore

At Chancey Bay

Chancey Bay Access
(27.0905, -80.6615)

Chancey Bay Access

Access is about 1/4 mile off US 441/98, across the canal. Grassy parking is at the boat ramp, then go up the paved ramp connecting to the trail on the dike.

Parking, boat ramp

Up to the trail

 

 

 

Nearby is J&S Fish Camp, about 1/4 mile south along US 441/98. This is a popular spot for refreshments, with Gator Hole Tavern and food truck. Boat ramp, cabins and RV site rentals also available.

Chancey Bay to Port Mayaca-North (7 miles)

About 1/4 mile south, the trail crosses the lock. A primitive campsite is located lakeside. Lake views, and across the canal is mostly sugar cane or cattle.

At top of ramp

Crossing lock

Lakeside

Canalside

Trail continues

View of lake

Farm lands canalside

 

To the lock

Bridge over St. Lucie Canal

Port Mayaca - North side
(26.98638, -80.61912)

Port Mayaca Recreation Area

On the north side, located at the Port Mayaca Recreation Area and Port Mayaca Lock and Dam complex, the trail is paved, with good lake views. This is at the junction with the St. Lucie Canal. Dirt parking, no facilities.

Trail at lock

To the lock

Port Mayaca Lock and Dam, bridge over US 98/441

 

Trail northbound

 

View of lake

Covered benches provided

Homes along canal

On the Road - North to South (2 miles)

From here a connector runs roadside along US 441/98, crossing the bridge over the St. Lucie Canal (wide shoulder, but no barrier). Across the bridge, continue on the road to reach the lock at the south.

 

 

South side

Loop around back to trail

Continue to Southeast Section
Port Mayaca-South to South Bay

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