top of page

Hiking and Photography

There is no other place on earth to see the most amazing combination of plants and animals. While hiking in the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park on the Original Cracker Trail you might startle a white-tailed deer feeding on the tender grasses, come across a flock of wild turkeys, scan the skies and see a Crested Cara-Cara or Bald Eagle soaring overhead, or listen carefully and you may hear endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrows singing in their natural prairie habitat. Wildflowers dot the countryside including Yellow Bachelors Buttons, Pipe wort, Blazing Star, Meadow Beauty and the delicate Alligator Lily. Enjoy the prairie by looking into it "not at it".The Florida Cracker Trail runs from just east of Bradenton and ends in Fort Pierce -- a total distance of approximately 120 miles.In years past, this route was used for both cattle and horses. Today it includes parts of State Road 66, State Road 64, and U.S. Highway 98.

Tips for Hiking in Florida Prairie

RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS

  • Respect the rights of others, including private property owners, all recreational trail users, campers and others so they can enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed....more

An annual Cracker Trail ride is now held the last full week in February of each year. The ride begins at a site just east of Bradenton, Florida, and ends with a parade through downtown Ft. Pierce, Florida, a total of approximately 120 miles. Each day's ride is approximately 15 to 20 miles in length. The purpose of the ride is to draw attention to Florida's horse and cattle heritage.

  • Stay on the trail even if it is rough and muddy.

  • Walking on the track edge and cutting switchbacks increase damage, causing erosion and visual scarring.

  • Walk single file to avoid widening the trail.

  • Spread out in open country where there are no trails. Spreading out, rather than following each others footsteps, disperses impact and avoids creating a new trail.

  • Flagging and marking trails is unsightly. If flagging is necessary, remove it as you leave. Consider using a Global Positioning System (GPS) instead of flagging.

  • Comply with all signs and respect barriers.

  • Buddy up with two or three hikers, reducing vulnerability if you have an accident.

bottom of page