Hike or Bike the Best Trails in Fort Myers
Whether you’re sticking to your running routine or craving a casual beach stroll, Southwest Florida has miles of paths worth exploring when you travel. From heart-pumping hiking trails and scenic biking trails to more leisurely walking trails and nature trails, these places to walk, run or bike are designed to refresh your perspective and bring you up close to nature and wildlife. Find your favorite spots and discover new places to explore in Fort Myers.
Just south of Lehigh Acres, Wild Turkey Strand Preserve protects over 3,000 acres of land in the Estero watershed. Now part of the county’s Conservation 20/20 program, this preserve was built on a former airfield used as a military training base during World War II. In between wildlife spotting and trekking through diverse terrain, keep your eyes open for military relics from this landscape’s past life.
Curious for more? Learn where else you can watch for wildlife on these Fort Myers trails and nature hikes.
In the Alva neighborhood, more than 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horse riding trails make Caloosahatchee Regional Park an ultimate outdoor destination. Cross through diverse habitats like pine flatwoods and oak hammocks, and also take advantage of the park’s proximity to the Caloosahatchee River for kayaking and fishing.
A visit to Hickey Creek Mitigation Park puts you right in the path of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. This Alva-area park was created to protect the gopher tortoise, and it’s also a supportive system for the Florida scrub-jay. Three hiking trails provide opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing.
Explore among more than 17 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, including some pet-friendly areas, at Prairie Pines Preserve. As part of the Conservation 20/20 project, wildlife thrive in its diverse terrain. A crushed shell path and boardwalk offers an easy bird-watching walk along the water, and the pine flatwoods spring to life with colorful wildflowers.
Take a hike through 5.5 miles of loop trails that follow a 5,000-acre sawgrass marsh at Crew Land & Water Trust. Marsh wildlife is on full view from an observation area, and trails are part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Get tips and maps to go bicycling in Fort Myers.
The Sanibel Island bike path gives you access to more than 25 miles of island activities, including beach access, the famous lighthouse and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The island has earned gold status as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists.
Designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community bronze level, Cape Coral has 90 miles of interconnected bike routes alongside nature preserves, scenic canals and the Caloosahatchee River.
Running for 16 miles along Stringfellow Road, the Pine Island bike path connects all the way from St. James City to Bokeelia, offering scenic views and access to local businesses and nature preserves.
The Summerlin Path extends from Fort Myers to the Sanibel Causeway, offering a wide space for biking and walking through a variety of neighborhoods.
Where will you get your dose of sunshine in Fort Myers? Find your outdoor space and start exploring.
