Okeechobee Mudfest, Florida, United States

Three recent hurricanes, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Jeanne and Hurricane Wilma, had no major adverse effects on communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee, even though the lake rose 18 inches after Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Tropical Storm Ernesto increased water levels by a foot in 2006, the last time it exceeded 13 feet. However, the lake's level began dropping soon after and by July 2007, it had dropped more than 4 feet to its all-time low of 8.82 feet. In August 2008, Tropical Storm Fay increased water levels to 12.22 feet above sea level, the first time it exceeded 12 feet since January 2007. Over a seven day period (including some storms that preceded Fay), about 8 inches of rain fell directly onto the lake.
National Scenic Trail
The 100-foot (30 m)-wide dike surrounding Lake Okeechobee is a part of the Florida Trail, a 1,400-mile long trail that is a National Scenic Trail. There is a well-maintained paved pathway along the majority of the perimeter. It is used by hikers and bicyclists, and is wide enough to accommodate authorized vehicles.