Whether you live in Naples, Florida, or are visiting from out of town, the area offers an abundance of beautiful hiking trails and boardwalks to explore.
From lush swamps to scenic preserves, nature lovers will find endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystems of Southwest Florida. These trails, many of which serve as both hiking and biking trails, provide the perfect way to experience local wildlife, native plants, and stunning landscapes.
Book your stay with Naples Vacation Homes, then read on for some of the best hiking trails in and near Naples to start your adventure.
1. The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
- Website: www.floridastateparks.org/learn/big-cypress-bend-boardwalk
- Distance: 0.8 miles
- Difficulty: Easy, wheelchair accessible
Located within the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk trails meander through a serene freshwater swamp environment. Along this 2,000-foot trail, you’ll encounter majestic cypress trees and may spot white tailed deer and wading birds like herons.
This boardwalk is perfect for nature lovers seeking an immersive swamp experience without the challenges of rugged terrain. It offers excellent wheelchair accessibility.
2. Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Trail
- Website: www.audubon.org/corkscrew
- Distance: 2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy, raised boardwalk
The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary features a raised boardwalk that meanders through a series of diverse habitats, including marshes, cypress forests, wet prairies, and pine uplands.
Renowned as one of the top bird-watching spots in the country, this sanctuary offers excellent opportunities to observe a variety of bird species and other wildlife in their natural environment.
3. Loop Road, Big Cypress National Preserve
- Website: www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/upload/BICY-Loop-Road-Scenic-Road-updated-2016-2.pdf
- Distance: 24 miles in total, though you can do a shorter section on foot
- Difficulty: Easy
Loop Road is a scenic, lengthy route through the Big Cypress National Preserve that allows visitors to explore the Everglades by car, but you can also walk along the road for a slower pace of exploration.
This secluded road provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including turtles, alligators, river otters, numerous bird species, and extensive native plant communities. There are lots of trailheads situated along Loop Road, some of which have parking lots and restrooms.
4. Gordon River Greenway
- Website: www.gordonrivergreenway.org
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy, wheelchair accessible
The Gordon River Greenway is a 140-acre ecological corridor located in urban Naples, featuring 2.8 miles of trails composed of paved paths, mulch, and boardwalks. This dog-friendly park is perfect for walking, jogging, biking, and skateboarding.
Visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, picnic pavilions, a playground with a treehouse, bike racks, restrooms with water fountains, and a kayak/canoe launch complete with storage racks.
5. Bonita Beach Walk at Barefoot Beach Preserve
- Website: www.collierparks.com/collier_park/barefoot-beach-preserve
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Barefoot Beach Preserve boasts two miles of natural shoreline nestled between Wiggins Pass Estuarine Area and the Gulf of Mexico. The preserve features coastal hammocks, mangroves, and pristine beaches perfect for hiking, shelling, and wildlife viewing.
Park up at Bonita Beach and take a leisurely stroll south to admire the preserve. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Naples area, and great to explore in both the wet season and the dry season.
6. CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail
- Website: crewtrust.org/bird-rookery-swamp-trail
- Distance: 12 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
The CREW Bird Rookery Swamp offers 12 miles of trails through the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. These trails are old tram roads that wind through maple-cypress swamps. The paths vary from crushed shells to a 1,500-foot elevated boardwalk to sand and grass.
This network of trails is excellent for hiking and biking, with abundant wildlife including alligators, Florida panthers, and numerous bird species.
7. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Boardwalk Trail
- Website: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park
- Distance: 0.62 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers a beautiful coastal trail with sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and an observation tower accessible via a short boardwalk trail.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, picnicking, and birdwatching. Note that dogs are allowed in the park, but not on the beach. Check out our guide to dog-friendly beaches in Naples.
8. Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge: Panther Trail
- Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/florida-panther
- Distance: 1.3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
The Florida Panther National Refuge is highly restricted to give these endangered animals the best opportunity to thrive. You can explore the habitat on this short hiking trail.
The Panther Trail is a natural surface circuit through tropical forests and open prairies, offering wildlife viewing opportunities in a serene setting.
Explore the Best Hiking Trails Naples FL Has to Offer
Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking to enjoy the natural beauty of Naples, these trails and boardwalks offer something for everyone. From serene marsh trails to scenic coastal preserves, each path provides a unique opportunity to explore South Florida’s diverse ecosystems.
Make the most of your visit by experiencing these stunning outdoor adventures firsthand. Book your stay with Naples Vacation Homes today and start planning your perfect nature getaway.
