Trail nears eagles’ nest [view slides]
Most notable as the northernmost waterway feeding the Everglades ecosystem – via the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee – Shingle Creek rises from wetlands in a part of Orlando buried by the bustle of International Drive. In pioneer times, Shingle Creek was an important link for settlers to the civilized world in Kissimmee. At Historic Babb Landing in Shingle Creek Park, you’ll see one of these pioneer homesteads and take a walk down to the cypress-lined waters of Shingle Creek.
Resources
Overview
Location: Kissimmee
Length: 1.8 miles
Lat-Long: 28.318133, -81.457217
Type: out-and-back and loop
Fees / Permits: none
Difficulty: easy
Bug factor: moderate
Restroom: at the trailhead
Open dawn-dusk. Dogs are welcome.
A variety of hike configurations are possible. Trails are paved, ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. A playground adjoins the historic homestead at the trailhead. A launch point is available for canoes and kayaks, but you’ll need a wheeled cart to get there.
Directions
From Interstate 4 exit 68 at Downtown Disney, follow SR 535 (Vineland Road) south for 3.6 miles to US 192; turn left. Drive east on US 192 for 2.7 miles to Old Vineland Road; turn left. After a half mile, turn right at the fork onto Babb Road. Follow it for 0.6 mile to where it ends at the parking area.
Mileage
| 0.0 | parking area |
|---|---|
| 0.1 | trail junction |
| 0.2 | trail junction |
| 0.5 | trail junction / bench |
| 0.5 | Shingle Creek at Babb Landing |
| 0.6 | boardwalk |
| 0.8 | Shingle Creek access |
| 1.0 | boardwalk |
| 1.1 | trail junction / bench |
| 1.4 | trail junction |
| 1.5 | boardwalk / eagles' nest |
| 1.6 | bench at corner |
| 1.8 | parking area |
