Located along the Kissimmee River in East Polk County, Florida between Lake Kissimmee and the Avon Park Bombing Range. The nearest town (Indian Lake Estates) is about 7 miles west of Kicco.
From I-95 exit 68 near Vero Beach, go east on State Road 60 for about 46 miles. Look for the entrance to Westgate River Ranch Resort. It will be on your left just after you cross over the the Kissimmee River into Polk County. Turn and follow the resort road (River Ranch Blvd) for about 3 miles until you reach the guard shack. Stop and let the guard know that you want to get to the Kicco Wildlife Management Area. Continue following the resort road until you see the large green entrance sign (shown above). Turn right onto the dirt road (Kicco Road) and follow it until it dead ends.
None.
Trailhead is located at the end of Kicco Road where shaded parking is available. There are no potable water sources or restrooms along the trail so make sure you come prepared. The trail is roughly 13 miles long and is a part of the Florida National Scenic Trail system.
Be very careful where you step! Cow pies are quite a common site at Kicco, but there's one other thing you want to lookout for...Water Moccasins (Cotton Mouths). They are very poisonous and unlike normal snakes they don't scare off easily. This one stood its ground and made several attempts to lash out at me.
One of the areas that thru-hikers might dread is the 3 mile trail section that connects the north-end with the south-end of Kicco. It is completely out in the open with not a bit of shade. The trail follows an old dirt road on top of dredged material from the nearby Kissimmee River. I suspect this will all go away once the river restoration begins. Enjoy it while it lasts.
There are currently seven foot-bridges located along the Florida Trail section in Kicco. The largest being the 60-foot bridge over Tick Island Slough. It was constructed by F-Troop volunteers (see photo gallery) in March of 2007 after hurricanes took out the old wooden bridge. Second in line is the bridge over Gum Branch.
If you see this stile, you have reached the far southern end of the Kicco Wildlife Management Area. Beyond this point is the Avon Bombing Range.
There are 3 primitive campsites located at Kicco. One of the campsites is located on the north-end about 1.2 miles from the trailhead parking. The other two primitive campsites are located on the south-end at about 7.3 miles and 10.3 miles. Each campsite is located in beautiful oak hammocks a short distance from the main trail. The campsites are equipped with a picnic table and a place to sit, but no fire rings or wells.
There is also one large campground located at the old Kicco Town site about 9 miles from the northern trailhead or 4.2 miles if you're hiking from the Avon Bombing range. There are plenty of picnic tables and fire rings available. Water can be obtained from the nearby Kissimmee River. Just make sure you treat it if you plan on drinking it.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission manages hunting at Kicco. For up-to-date information on regulations and current hunting schedules, please go to MyFWC.com.
Hunting Schedule 2013 - 2014 Archery Sep. 14 - Oct. 13 (Weekends only) Muzzle Gun Oct. 19 - 27 (Weekends only) Wild Hog - Still Nov. 9 - Dec. 8 (Weekends only) Small Game Dec. 14 - Jan 19 Spring Turkey Mar. 15 - Apr. 13 (Weekends only)
Color infrared aerial maps of northern and southern Kicco showing hiking trails, roads, campsites and historical features.
File Formats Downloads TopoGraphix ExpertGPS trails.gpx Garmin MapSource trails.mps
Camphorweed, Rougeplant and Common Wireweed
Last update on 18-Nov-2013
