The best road cycling routes in Okeechobee County

Okeechobee is a small town on the shore of a big lake. In fact the name Okeechobee comes from two Seminole words "Oki" meaning big and "Chubi" meaning water. Though it's a quiet place now the area was at the epicenter of the Second Seminole War where the Native Seminoles and their allies fought to remain on their ancestral lands. Currently the site of the battlefield is a State Park and a reenactment is held annually to raise funds for the park.

Save the Chimps is one of the largest Chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world and provides a quiet peaceful home for retired chimps. The facility isn't open to the public on a day to day basis but they do hold a number of events throughout the year that you can buy tickets to. Also, members receive a newsletter and there are some days when members are giving tours of the site. https://savethechimps.org/

Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area is a large preserve of Florida's grasslands. The name Allapattah comes from the Seminole word for alligator, though they are not found in large numbers here. Instead visitors are more likely to encounter the Eastern indigo snake, sandhill cranes, crested caracaras, and game animals such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. The area is popular with hunters and anglers as well as hikers, bikers, and campers.

This canal, built from 1916 to 1924, links Lake Okeechobee with the Indian River Lagoon. Designed to manage floodwaters, it channels water from the lake into the St. Lucie Estuary through the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The route along the canal provides a scenic and historical backdrop, perfect for a rest and a drink, while enjoying the lush surroundings and tranquil waters.

Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area significantly aids in restoring the Lake Okeechobee watershed by enhancing water quality. Spanning 2,700 acres, it treats stormwater runoff from the Taylor Creek and Nubbin Slough basins before it enters the lake. This area is open for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can access levees on foot or by bike. Amenities include parking, restrooms, informational kiosks, signage, and picnic shelters along the levee trails, providing a scenic and educational spot for outdoor activities.

Cycling on Conners Highway offers a comfortable ride with ample shoulder space. The route provides breathtaking views of Lake Okeechobee, making it a picturesque journey. Despite the stunning scenery, ensure you keep your focus on the road to stay safe. This highway combines the beauty of nature with practical cycling infrastructure, offering a pleasant yet mindful experience for riders.

Lake Okeechobee offers a unique experience as Florida's largest freshwater lake and the tenth-largest in the U.S. It spans 730 square miles but is only about 9 feet deep, it’s too vast to see across and is fed primarily by the Kissimmee River. The lake touches Glades, Okeechobee, Martin, Palm Beach, and Hendry counties, all meeting near its center. Historically, the Calusa called it "Mayaimi," meaning "big water." The name "Okeechobee" comes from Hitchiti words for "water" and "big".

This canal, built from 1916 to 1924, links Lake Okeechobee with the Indian River Lagoon. Designed to manage floodwaters, it channels water from the lake into the St. Lucie Estuary through the South Fork of the St. Lucie River. The route along the canal provides a scenic and historical backdrop, perfect for a rest and a drink, while enjoying the lush surroundings and tranquil waters.