Walking Trails in Fort Myers, Florida

Debi Rideout
There are many interesting walking trails in Fort Myers, Florida. Many walking trails in Fort Myers, Florida are very lovely. You will see all sorts of wildlife and different kinds of plants that you normally do not see. It is very peaceful to be in nature and to be outdoors. It is a very relaxing way to spend the day. The following are some walking trails in Fort Myers, Florida:

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
779 Penzance Crossing
Fort Myers, FL 33966
www.leeparks.org

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has a 1.2 miles elevated boardwalk. It goes into 2,500 acres of wetland. It has five observation decks that you can look out from. You might see some tamer animals like deer, egrets, raccoons, otters, and eagles. You might also see some less tame animals like bobcats and alligators too. The boardwalk hours are 8 a.m. to sunset, and it is open 7 days a week. They have guided walk tours as well. You can take a guided tour from May - October, Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; April, November, and December daily at 9:30 a.m.; and January - March daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

2. Calusa Nature Center
3450 Ortiz Avenue
Fort Myers, FL 33905
(239) 275-3435
www.calusanature.org

Calusa Nature Center costs a bit more than some of the other nature trails, but it is well worth it. For a family of 4 it only costs $50 for a year membership. Otherwise, it is $9 for teens and adults, $6 for children (3 to 12), and under age 3 is free. Hours are Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Not only does it have walking nature trails to walk, but it also has a museum and planetarium to look at. There are three trails you can walk though the 105 acres. There is Pine Loop Trail for a ½ mile, Cypress Boardwalk Trail, and Wildlands Trail for 1.5 miles. There are many animals to look at both in the museum exhibits and out on the trails. It is such an educational experience that is fun too. The first Sunday of the month is called "Dog Day Sunday" and you can even bring your dogs to walk on the trails. It costs $5 per dog for non-members and $2 per dog for members. No cost for people with their dogs. It is members and $2 per dog for members. No cost for people with their dogs. It is open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on "Dog Day Sunday".

3. Lakes Regional Park
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33908
www.leeparks.org

Lakes Regional Park has 2.5 miles of both paved and natural paths to walk on. It is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, and it is open 7 days a week. It is a really pretty area to walk. It has a beautiful 158 acres of a freshwater quarry lake. You can see wildlife such as Egrets, Herons, and even American Alligator. There is lots of other fun stuff to do while you there like boating and fishing.

4. Shores Nature Trail Park
13114 Fifth Street
Fort Myers, FL 33905
www.leeparks.org

Shores Nature Trail Park is open from sunrise to sunset, and it is open 7 days a week. There is no charge to park there. It has a small nature trail to walk that goes into the Cypress dome. It is ¼ miles. It will take you through the wetland acres. You will see lots of different kinds of birds and other wildlife.

Published by Debi Rideout

Debi Rideout is a freelance writer. She is a valuable content writer for Yahoo! Contributor Network. Her work has appeared on Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Shine, Yahoo! TV, Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! Lifestyle, Yahoo! S...  View profile

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  • Theresa Leschmann5/25/2009

    Nice piece. I live in Illinois too have article about it too) and have never seen a trail that allows dogs. Horses, yes, but no dogs.

  • Christine Zibas5/9/2009

    Great article. Wish I were in Florida, I would take advantage. I love that one of the trails allows dogs on a certain day. Very unusual around here (Illinois), where I live.

  • Justice Lives Not5/8/2009

    Excellent. I'm all about some nice, scenic walking trails!

  • Stephen Joltin5/7/2009

    Sounds like some great nature walks. I loved to walk the trails around New Orleans swampland before Katrina. Saw some crocks there too. Excellent article.

  • Gillian Wilk5/7/2009

    Great info. Walking trails are awesome!

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