Bonita Springs and Estero perfectly capture the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and give you a glimpse of Old Florida. Try these hiking spots in Bonita Springs and Estero. Tag us on social media in your photos by using #RoyalShellStyle, so we can see how much fun you’re having!
Hiking trails in Bonita Springs:
- Pine Lake Preserve
- This 174-acre preserve will take you through oak hammocks, mixed cypress pines, pine flatwoods, manmade lakes and floodplain swamps. A variety of birds have been spotted here including herons, wading birds and egrets. This preserve doesn’t have a marked trail system, but there is a gate on Kent Road that gives visitors access to the hiking trails. Visitors can park in the parking lot at the YMCA on Kent Road, which is across the street from Pine Lake Preserve (12750 East Terry Street, Bonita Springs, 34135.)
- CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails
- These trails are located at 15970 Bonita Beach Road S.E., Bonita Springs, 34135. The set of trails includes a yellow multiuse trail, 2.9-mile orange trail, the 1.5-mile Billy G. Cobb Memorial Trail (also known as the red trail) and the quarter-mile blue trail, which is a shortcut on the red trail. You’ll see views of the Kehl Canal and go through oak hammocks, pine flatwoods and old homesteads.
- Barefoot Beach County Preserve
- The great thing about Barefoot Beach County Preserve is that in addition to a one-mile hiking trail, there are also miles of beach to enjoy. It’s one of the only beaches in Bonita Springs and one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida. Barefoot Beach is located at 505 Barefoot Beach Boulevard, Bonita Springs, 34134.
- Cullum’s Trail Park
- This trail will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to Old Florida before it got developed and turned into what we know it as today. The shell-lined path is adjacent to the Bonita Nature Place. Parking is available south of Bonita Nature Place, 27601 Kent Road, Bonita Springs, 34135.
- Imperial River Preserve
- Hike through a dense mangrove forest and get to know the famous Florida tree’s different types of species. Did you know there are buttonwood, red, white and black mangroves? There is no way to publically access this preserve, but you can access it from a paddle board, canoe or kayak. If this sounds like something you’re interested in doing, we can help you rent a vessel and find a vacation rental on the water.
Hiking trails in Estero:
- Koreshan State Park
- This is one of the most unique places in Southwest Florida. The park is beautiful and it also has a colorful history. Take a journey back in time and get a glimpse of Old Florida. Koreshan State Park is home to 11 restored buildings from the Koreshan settlement. See how they lived and learn about their beliefs. They believed in communal living and believed the universe existed on the inside of the planet. The park offers hiking, canoeing, camping, fishing and tours of the settlement. Koreshan State Park is located at 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, 33928.
- Estero Bay Preserve State Park
- You’ll see a variety of wildlife and native ecosystems. The park is dog-friendly, too. Pets must be on a six-foot or shorter leash. Pet waste should also be cleaned up and removed from the park. Choose from four trails, and watch for the birds. If you like birding, Estero Bay Preserve State Park is perfect for you! Estero Bay Preserve State Park is at 4940 Broadway West, Estero, 33928.
- Mound Key Archaeological State Park
- See a piece of Florida history and enjoy nature at Mound Key Archaeological State Park. It’s the best of both worlds. Shell mounds and ridges rise more than 30 feet above Estero Bay. Mound Key is the ceremonial center for the Calusa Indians in the 1500s. Mound Key Archaeological State Park is only accessible by boat and visitors launch from Koreshan State Park or Lovers Key State Park.
