KICCO Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near Lake Wales consists of more than 7,000 acres of land along the banks of the Kissimmee River, south of Lake Kissimmee. This WMA is a place where you can go to get the real feel of “old Florida” and the area includes a variety of habitat extremes from scrub to marsh.
Hiking at KICCO
You’ll find 13 miles of trails to hike through oak hammock, scrub, cypress strand and pine-palmetto flatwoods. 9 miles of shell bed trails are open for hiking and MTB or gravel cycling along KICCO Grade Road.
Florida National Scenic Trail
13 of the Florida National Scenic Trail runs through the KICCO Wildlife Management Area. Wildlife is abundant at KICCO and includes white-tailed deer, alligators, feral hogs, bald eagles, wild turkeys, hawks, wading birds and sandhill cranes. The threatened crested caracara has been observed in the area. Horses are allowed by permit from the South Florida Water Management District.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Rent a kayak or canoe, or bring your own. Plan to paddle down the Kissimmee River from a public boat launch at the north entrance to KICCO (on State Route 60).
Camping at KICCO
There are 5 primitive campsites in the KICCO Wildlife Management Area. Primitive waterfront camping is available at Blanket Bay Slough, which can only be accessed by canoe/kayak.