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Estero Bay State Buffer Preserve
2 reviews
3 of 5
A nice flat underused state preserve between Ft. Myers and Naples.
Was destined to become a 1,500 housing subdivision, but saved by the state in 2000.
Nice, flat 4.4 mile loop with portions through tidal salt marshes. Another short side trail leads to the Estero River. Sandy path to waters edge will add to cardio regimen.
Visited during the rainy summer season and portion of one path was more than axel deep in swamp water. Was dry in November.
Wildlife sightings: During springtime, on far Yellow trail met thousands of fiddler crabs that scurried sideways for cover and trampled so loudly that that the pidder-padder of their feet was easily audible. Yes, it was quite creepy at first. Also saw gopher tortoise.
Summary: I live about 5 minutes from this trail and I take my dog on a hike here about 1-2 times per week, but I don't go out of my way to ride this trail. It is extremely flat and occasional patches of fine sand cause me a great deal of frustration.
4 trails range in length from .5 miles to 4.5 miles (rough estimates). The park is free and a decent amount of wildlife can be seen so in my opinion this is a lot better than riding on the street, but again let me stress... DO NOT DRIVE OUT OF YOUR WAY TO GET TO THIS TRAIL, unless you're looking to get off the streets for an evening ride, you're looking for a painfully leisurely ride, or you've got your great grandma along for the ride.
Don't forget your sunscreen!
In short, the trail is better than nothing; considering we have a lot of nothing in SWFL, if you live nearby give the trail an occasional ride. I'd love to give this trail a 3 for the sole fact that the only off road trail I'm aware of in South Fort Myers, but if CRP is setting the bar at 3.5ish, I've got to give the Estero Buffer Preserve a 2.
Recommended Route: West on Corkscrew Road from I75.
North on US41.
First stop light, turn west on Broadway.
1 mile down the road, you'll see a gravel parking lot and the trail on your right side.
Other recommended trails in the same area: CRP (Caloosa Regional Park)
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Summary: A nice flat underused state preserve between Ft. Myers and Naples.
Was destined to become a 1,500 housing subdivision, but saved by the state in 2000.
Nice, flat 4.4 mile loop with portions through tidal salt marshes. Another short side trail leads to the Estero River. Sandy path to waters edge will add to cardio regimen.
Visited during the rainy summer season and portion of one path was more than axel deep in swamp water. Was dry in November.
Wildlife sightings: During springtime, on far Yellow trail met thousands of fiddler crabs that scurried sideways for cover and trampled so loudly that that the pidder-padder of their feet was easily audible. Yes, it was quite creepy at first. Also saw gopher tortoise.
Recommended Route: Take Corkscrew exit from I-75, go west on Corkscrew Road, turn right on U.S. 41. Turn left on Broadway to go west. Public acesss is on north side (right) of Broadway at electric station.
No fee.
You will pass Koreshan State Park at intersection of 41 and Corkscrew. Pick up a map there if none at preserve and call Koreshan rangers if you need information on park at 863-386-6094
Other recommended trails in the same area: collier-seminole state park, caloosahatchee regional park
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