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The below recreational uses have been determined to be compatible on the refuge. In addition, commercial recording and commercial tours are forms of non-wildlife dependent recreation that have been determined to be compatible in this plan.
Trails
Many designated trails exist throughout Refuge units. Trail and road facilities identified in this plan are not intended to represent all facilities and opportunities as additional designated trails may become apparent as a feature of the unit landscape, or additionally provided for through the life of this Plan. Visitors are encouraged to refer to the WMA regulations summary and associated map of a specific unit for the most up-to-date representation of designated trail and road infrastructure.
Arbuckle Unit: Most of the trails on the unit run along the boundary and are maintained for access and management purposes and provide fires brakes.
Hatchineha Unit: A network of trails branch-off of a large, well-maintained north to south grass road (Dairy Road) that bisects the site. All parts of the Hatchineha Unit are within 0.5 miles of this road and the maintained network of trails and fire breaks.
Kissimmee Bend Unit: There is a main grass road that bisects the property from east to west. A second main grass road connects the center of that road to the center of the southern boundary. In addition, firebreaks are accessible and maintained throughout the tract - predominantly located along perimeter boundaries. The unit has been actively managed as a cow/calf ranch and several equestrian trails exist throughout the unit as well.
Okeechobee Unit: Trail access is via the parking lot located on the eastern side of the unit.A firebreak is located around the boundary and several trails run across the unit. Trails total approximately nine miles.
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Locations
Arbuckle Unit: A gated entrance exists and a parking area was enhanced with gravel and a boundary fence in 2016 on the east side of Old Avon Park Road. This entrance and parking area is located on the western boundary of Arbuckle Unit, just north of the centerline.
Hatchineha Unit: A gated entrance exists and a parking area was enhanced with gravel and a boundary fence in 2017 at the junction of County Road 542 (Lake Hatchineha Road) and the Hatchineha Unit’s main north-south road (Dairy Road).
Kissimmee Bend Unit: Currently, two entrances exist on the Kissimmee Bend Unit. The south entrance and parking area is located approximately ¾ mile west along NW 256 ST. The east entrance and parking area is located at the corner of NW 288 ST and NW 224 AVE.
Okeechobee Unit: Travel US Hwy 98, take NW 203rd Ave at the Bassinger Community Center, then left at NW 160 Dr (CR 68). Follow this road north until pavement ends. Follow the dirt road north for about 1.4 miles, then take a right on NW 256 St. Head east about 0.8 miles then head north through gate on the left. Parking will be 2 miles on the left.