World-class winter weather has arrived in the Naples area, and that means it’s time to get outside and roam.
Trekkers in the Naples area are fortunate as Collier County has many walking and hiking opportunities, ranging from beautiful local beaches to relaxing regional and community parks and overnight outings in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
This year should be a good one for hikers as the area is experiencing a drought, which means the trails should be relatively dry.
The low water levels also tend to force wildlife into small areas, which can make for a great viewing opportunity. Just remember not to disturb Florida wildlife as many animals (and plants) are protected by state and federal laws.
Experts say walking outside can improve heart and lung health and even help with depression.
So, where should you go for your ultimate outdoor bipedal excursion?
Here are five places in the Naples area that are great for folks who like to ramble and carry rucksacks.
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island
This secluded beach is one of the best places in Southwest Florida to take a stroll.
Located at the northwest corner of Marco Island, Tigertail Beach stretches about 3 miles along the coast, giving you plenty of space to stretch out those legs.
Not only is it a good place for a walk, but the beach is also one of the most beautiful spots in our region.
So, you can soak in the wildlife and atmosphere while getting the blood and lungs pumping.
“Tigertail Beach offers a bath house and five boardwalks leading from the mangrove lined parking area to the white, sandy beach,” a City of Marco Island website reads. “As you are standing on the beach looking over the Gulf, you will see Sand Dollar Island. This area is a nesting area for many birds, some that are threatened species.”
Here you can see a variety of beautiful, long-legged wading birds, brown and white pelicans, and manatees and dolphins in the Gulf.
“The tidal bay between Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Island is generally an area where a variety of birds feed,” a city site says.
There are also kayak rentals and other amenities.
Fakahatchee Strand State Park
The largest state park in Florida, Fakahatchee Strand encompasses some of the wildest lands in Southwest Florida.
Located west of the Big Cypress National Preserve and north of Everglades National Park, Fakahatchee Strand is on both sides of Janes Scenic Road just north of the community of Jerome.
There is also a location on U.S. 41 about 7 miles west of Highway 29. That spot is home to a 2,500-foot boardwalk that winds through a section of swamp before ending at Alligator Pond, where there is an observation deck.
The park also has a series of old tram roads that connect to Janes Scenic Memorial Drive.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
This Audubon property is a true ecological jewel of the Naples area.
Home to the largest strand of old growth cypress in the world, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is most known for its 2.25-mile boardwalk.
Sitting on about 13,000 acres, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has grown immensely in the past 50 years, from a little-known wood stork rookery to a place that’s enjoyed by people from all over the world.
Audubon hosts regularly programming at Corkscrew Swamp, including guides hikes, birding opportunities and educational program for children.
Collier-Seminole State Park
Covering more than 7,000 acres, Collier-Seminole State Park has history, a canoe and kayak launch, and, of course, trails to hike.
This is some of the best hiking for car campers as you can take a stroll during the day but be back at a comfortable camp for the night.
Going that route, there’s no need to don 30-pound backpacks full of clothes and gear. Just grab some water and sunscreen and you’re ready to hit the trails.
One of the neatest features in Collier-Seminole is the fact that you can see beautiful royal palms in their native habitat.
The park contains one of three of the only known palm strands in the state.
The Big Cypress National Preserve
This is truly wild land that’s located mostly in eastern rural Collier County.
The 730,000-acre preserve was set aside after people across south Florida fended off a planned airport, which was to be the largest in the world.
Environmental groups at the time said the airport would destroy what is left of the Everglades.
Now the Big Cypress National Preserve is used for everything from hunting to mountain bike riding.
There are also plenty of trails in the Big Cypress, ranging from relatively short paths off Loop Road to the Florida Trail, which stretches to Georgia.
The Oasis Visitor’s Center along U.S. 41 is the starting or ending point for many hikers on overnight outings. This is the place to hike and camp if you want to stay overnight in the heart of the preserve.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: Take a hike. Winter means it’s time to get outdoors in the Naples area
Reporting by Chad Gillis, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
