Okeechobee is the fourth largest lake completely within the United States. [1] Okeechobee covers 730 square miles (1,890 km�) and is relatively shallow, with an average depth of only 9 feet (3 m).
The name Okeechobee comes from the Hitchiti words "oki" (water) and "chubi" (big), and literally means "big water".
The 20 foot (6 m) wide dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee was declared a National Scenic Trail, specifically the Florida Trail, when it was built. There is a well-maintained paved pathway along the entire perimeter used by hikers and bicyclists and wide enough to accommodate authorized vehicles.
