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Lake Okeechobee is called the "liquid heart" of South Florida. It is located in central south Florida, just north of the Everglades and encompasses 730 square miles of relatively shallow lake with an average depth of 9 feet. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the continental United States, second only to Lake Michigan. Lake Okeechobee's drainage basin covers more than 4,600 square miles.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the day-use facilities, hiking/biking trails, and boat ramps on and around the lake.
Lake Okeechobee and the Okeechobee Waterway have a reputation for excellent fishing. More than 40 species of fish are found in the lake. The most sought-after are the Largemouth Bass, Blue Gill, and the famous Okeechobee Catfish, and Black Crappie, locally known as "specks." There are many guides and services that can take you on a half- or day-trip fishing.
Hikers will enjoy the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail. a 40-mile hiking tour of the lake's northwest rim. There are points to pause and watch birds and wildlife.
At Lake Okeechobee, you’ll be reminded of Florida’s history as a tropical wilderness.
Accommodations in the Nature Coast area will be primarily single family homes and cottages, with only the occasional small condominium complex.
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