Birding, Hiking, Biking - Kissimmee Florida
Birding
Is that an Osprey or an Egret? True bird lovers know and that's why they flock to the Heart of Florida for vacation. There's no better place for birding than Kissimmee. From tropical birds and exotic birds to rare endangered birds, you can see all our feathered friends in their natural environment. And whether you're a serious hobbyist or just curious, bird watching continues to surprise and inspire people of all ages. Our Central Florida climate offers a seemingly endless assortment of bird species at any of nine state-recognized Great Florida Birding Trail sites. From the wetlands to the woodlands, you’ll be able to spot ibis, hawks, falcons, quail, and herons of practically every color. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the rarest birds in North America on your trip, including the Florida Scrub Jay, Snail Kite, Crested Caracara and Limpkin.
Kissimmee also has the largest population of nesting Bald Eagles in the lower 48 states, and was selected as a re-entry location for the nearly extinct Whooping Crane. Look! It's the "Osceola" Wild Turkey, considered by many wildlife experts to be the most beautiful bird in the world.
Keep your binoculars and your camera ready—Kissimmee won’t disappoint.
Check out our Kissimmee birding photo gallery on Flickr.
Hiking and Biking
This is one place where you won't mind being grounded. That's because you’ll find that a trek through Kissimmee’s natural wonderland, by bike or by foot, is more than just great exercise—it’s a way to experience one remarkable discovery after another.
The Florida countryside yields sites and sounds you just don't find in other parts of the country. This is the gift of Kissimmee’s great outdoors and there is an abundance of nature trails that take you and your family through magnificent woods, around serene lakes, or along a winding river. Within the Kissimmee area there are several conservation areas protected by the State of Florida with hiking and biking trails that are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Great Florida Birding Trail. Along with this activity, you’ll be entertained by a chorus of rare and colorful birds and marvel at vast fields of wildflowers. And did you hear that? Lots of wildlife such as deer, alligator and other playful critters are sure to come out to play. The Kissimmee area is home to approximately 35 different protected species of wildlife. So get out and about and discover the “real” Florida.
To explore some of the area's more popular bike routes, check out our interactive map. You can also find a listing for bike rentals, tours and guides below.
View Kissimmee Bike Trails in a larger map
| Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area | |
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The Florida Nat'l Scenic Trail & Great Florida Birding Trail
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| Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve | |
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Marked trails through a variety of habitats.
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| Makinson Island | |
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132-acre island with 3.5 miles of hiking trails.
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| Peghorn Nature Park and Trail | |
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Preserved wetlands and trails- the "real" Florida.
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| Prairie Lakes Wildlife Management Area | |
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A 6-mile loop for hiking and wildlife viewing.
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| Split Oak Forest Mitigation Park | |
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View a variety of wildlife habitats.
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| Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area | |
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27 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
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| Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management | |
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11.2 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
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| Nature Conservancy's Disney Wilderness Preserve | |
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Free admission- enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.
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