Places: Everglades | Wilderness Waterway | Chokoloskee Bay | Flamingo Area | Big Bend | Loxahatchee River | Hickey Creek
Withlacoochee River | Alafia River | Estero River | Hillsborough River | Little Manatee River | Peace River
This short trail is an easy trip through subtropical hammock.
Hickey Creek, with its placid, tannin-stained water, makes a good half-day trip. The subtropical vegetation along the banks is home for wildlife including osprey and heron. You might also look for an eagle or a manatee in the creek. A southwest Florida stream, Hickey Creek has gentle curves and a slow current, but winds and high waves are possible on the Caloosahatchee River.
Mileage: 4
Skill Level: Beginner
Difficulty: Easy
Usual Current: Slow (0-1 mph)
Notes and Precautions
Hickey Creek enters the Caloosahatchee River east of the SR 80 bridge. Use caution on the river, large boat wakes can be a hazard.
Access
Franklin Lock Ramp - Off CR 78.
Alva Boat Ramp- Located on Pearl Street in Alva. The boat ramp is on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River and east of the SR 78 (Broadway) Bridge.
Hickey Creek is accessible only from the Caloosahatchee River. Franklin Lock, on the Caloosahatchee, is an access point off of CR 78. Launch from the the north side of the river, then paddle upstream two miles to Hickey Creek which is just east of the SR 80 bridge. The other access point is the boat ramp in the town of Alva (not on map), which is four and a half miles east of Franklin Lock on CR 78. After launching from the boat ramp, paddle 2.5 miles downstream to the entrance of Hickey Creek. The round trip back to the entrance of Hickey Creek is four miles.
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
Emergency Phone Numbers: 911 or Sheriff 477-1200.
