In conjunction with the Big Cypress Chapter, the Alligator Amblers assist in maintenance of the southernmost portion of the Florida Trail in Big Cypress National Preserve. The chapter is also responsible for maintenance of the Collier Seminole Hiking Trail at Collier Seminole State Park.

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Big Cypress Reserve

The Florida Trail in Big Cypress Preserve is one of the state’s most rugged places to hike. Winding through a haunting landscape of dwarf cypress rising from sawgrass, rare rocky islands topped with pine rocklands, colorful cypress sloughs festooned with dense bromeliads and orchids, and dense jungles of tall ferns. Slipping and sliding on wet marl and wading through ankle-to-knee deep dark water is a norm, and both day hikes and extended backpacking trips must be carefully planned. But the rewards are great: immersing yourself in one of Florida’s most diverse preserves, you truly get in touch with the wilderness.  www.nps.gov/bicy

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Collier Seminole State Park

Collier Seminole Hiking Trail is a rugged 6.5 mile loop just north of the Tamiami Trail, nine (9) miles east of Naples. Check in at the ranger station and ask for the gate combination before starting your hike. This wet landscape holds delights like colorful terrestrial orchids and the largest natural hammock of royal palms remaining in Florida. Bring mosquito protection! www.floridastateparks.org/collier-seminole/

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In addition, there are many other opportunities to Camp, Bike, Hike & Paddle in Southwest Florida.  Here is a short list of websites and some of the trails we enjoy.

Florida Greenways & Trails Guide - Two regions cover our Chapter’s membership area of Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties

• West Central - Trails in our area include Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, Estero River Canoe Trail, Gasparilla Island-Boca Grande Trail and Hickey Creek Canoe Trail
• South - Trails in our area included Blackwater River/Royal Palm Hammock Canoe Trail, Corkscrew Sanctuary’s Boardwalk and Trails Through Time - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Koreshan State Historic Site - Camping, Hiking and Paddling

Lee County Parks and Recreation

• Caloosahatchee Regional Park - Biking, Camping, Hiking and Paddling
• Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park - Hiking
• Lakes Regional Park - Biking and Hiking
• Manatee Park - Hiking
• Prairie Pines Preserve - Hiking

Lee County Paddling Trail (The Great Calusa Blueway) - Paddling, Camping available at state parks

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