Southwest Florida is a paradise for nature lovers and people that enjoy doing activities outside. Some of the places that I enjoy the most in Florida are state parks and the beautiful trails to go for a walk or a nice jog. I feel like it is definitely cooler in trails during the Summer and the views are breathtaking. Lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey to explore five remarkable walking trails in Southwest Florida.

Do keep in mind before you go to the trails to take water with you to stay hydrated, wear sunblock, use bug spray, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and keep an eye for wildlife -and of course do not approach it-, and be a good human and do not litter.

5 Walking Trails in Southwest Florida

1. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary:
   Located in Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a gorgeous sanctuary that will transport you to another world. This boardwalk trail winds through ancient cypress forests, marshes, and wet prairies, providing an opportunity to spot a wide array of wildlife, including alligators, herons, egrets, and colorful butterflies. The boardwalk is a 2.5 miles long and it is wheelchair-accessible.

2. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve:
   Located in the heart of Fort Myers, you can find the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This linear boardwalk trail takes you through a pristine cypress swamp, teeming with wildlife and native flora. The preserve is a popular spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The boardwalk is 1.2 miles long.

3. Lovers Key State Park:
   Located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, Lovers Key State Park encompass three miles of beautiful beaches and scenic walking trails. The Black Island Trail is a must-visit, meandering through a maritime hammock that provides a glimpse of the diverse wildlife and native plants. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in Southwest Florida because it is beautiful, peaceful, and a perfect way to connect with nature. I love going for a walk through the trails and then spending some time at the actual beach.

4. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge:
   Located on Sanibel Island, the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a range of walking trails that allow visitors to explore diverse coastal habitats. The Indigo Trail, a 4-mile round trip, is a favorite among hikers for its birdwatching opportunities and scenic views of the mangroves and estuaries. Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees that frequent the waters.

5. Caloosahatchee Regional Park:
   North East of Fort Myers is Alva, explore the scenic trails at Caloosahatchee Regional Park. The park offers over 15 miles of trails that go through oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and along the Caloosahatchee River. The trails are ideal for both walking and biking. This is another great spot that provides ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.

What is your favorite trail or place to connect to nature in Southwest Florida? Let us know in the comments or through social media!