3 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Untold amounts of excitement and fun are to be found throughout the vast landscape of America, not the least of which is to be found in Florida. This great state boasts natural features of which the Everglades, lakes, rivers, and miles of beautiful coastline. For someone without the time to enjoy Florida in its entirety, Kissimmee and the surrounding area offer more than enough of each to satisfy anyone who appreciates the outdoors.

Florida-bound on a tour the Deep South's best fishing spots, I lodged for the night in Kissimmee. I had heard about the extensive nature of the waterways around the town and, speaking with a few of the locals, decided to give the region a try.

The Kissimmee River and its floodplain is the headwater of the vast and world-famous Everglades ecosystem. The river and its supporting network of lakes are home to a cadre of beautiful and exotic wildlife. Driving for just an hour or so in the area, it was immediately apparent that the fishing, hunting, and general sight-seeing opportunities are unmatched in Florida. Brinson and Godwin Parks, among others, offer plenty of varied scenery to enjoy and hike through. Makison Island, accessible only by boat (a fact I found to lend it a wild and remote feel, regardless of fellow tourists) offers some gorgeous views.

You can hardly step out of your car in south-central Florida and not see a hiking trail of some sort. The Kissimmee River Scenic Trail was particularly enjoyable- despite the wonderful immersion into the wild I spotted several locals such as cranes, alligators, an eagle, and of course deer. Sign of wild hog and turkey was visible too- the area offers unique and varied hunting prospects. While I was there primarily to fish and hike, many of the locals mentioned the Three Lakes and Bull Creek Wildlife Management Areas as locally renowned places to hunt or just take a walk in the woods.

Speaking of fishing- I discovered that, due to the interconnected nature of all the water in the region (especially via man-made canals), bass are the fish of choice to pursue. With this in mine I head down south to Lake Kissimmee (about 35 miles or so- but I avoided the Florida Turnpike which added a few) to a spot on Highway 60 at the southern-most end of the lake. While I didn't have a boat I noted that there were several areas with access. The fishing was good but I was glad to have brought the bug spray!

Before leaving the area for the Keys I decided to take in the Kissimmee area's coastal scene. I chose Cocoa Beach, a small town on the eastern coast, about a 30-or-so mile drive. Once again I avoided taken the northern route through the city, and instead took back-roads (532 and 520) which besides making for less traffic afforded some great scenery, passing as they do through the Osceola lowlands.

Cocoa Beach was a smaller town but, being a beach town of course, was quite active- in fact I would advise not to visit during the peak tourist season (there are off-weeks in the summer for the eastern Kissimmee region- keep an eye out). The beach wasn't packed and had just the right amount of people to keep it interesting. Besides the beach I noticed several beautiful golf courses, and I learned you can also view shuttle launches from there towards nearby Cape Canaveral- unfortunately I missed out.

If you beat the tourists (again- keep watch for future off-periods) and the traffic, there's no doubt about it- Kissimmee and the surrounding areas offer much more than the glam and glitz of the surrounding theme parks and cultural venues. It is a great place to enjoy some unique scenery, fishing, and hunting. I'm glad I stopped by, and you should definitely see it for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Mike Mincher.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to Kissimmee's natural attractions?
We want to hear your view. Write now!