The Best Boardwalks And Hiking Trails In Naples, Marco Island And The Everglades

Discover the natural beauty of Florida's Paradise Coast through its picturesque boardwalks and hiking trails. This region offers a diverse range of trails, from serene boardwalks winding through lush mangrove forests to more challenging hikes that take you deep into the heart of the Everglades.

Whether you’re seeking an easy, family-friendly outing or an adventurous trek, we’ve got a trail for every type of explorer. Join us as we explore the best spots to immerse yourself in the unique ecosystems of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.

GORDON RIVER GREENWAY

The Gordon River Greenway is a stunning 140-acre park with 2.5 miles of trails through six native plant communities. After three decades in the making, this hidden gem in the heart of Naples was well worth the wait!

The Greenway is perfect for families with younger children, seniors, dog walkers, and cyclists, featuring fishing and lookout piers, a kayak launch, playgrounds, and picnic pavilions. Along this leisurely walk, you can spot birds like herons, mammals such as otters and bobcats, and reptiles, including alligators and gopher tortoises.

CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY BOARDWALK

Discover the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Boardwalk, a 2.25-mile trail winding through diverse landscapes, including pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forest. These majestic trees, towering 130 feet high, create a breathtaking canopy draped with moss and ferns. The boardwalk itself is flat and accessible, making it suitable for both wheelchairs and strollers.

During your visit, look for alligators, otters, deer, and interesting flora, like the elusive Super Ghost Orchid. Corkscrew is particularly famous for its birdwatching, especially as an important nesting site for wood storks. Consider joining a guided program to make the most of your time here.

CREW BIRD ROOKERY SWAMP TRAIL

The CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail offers 12 miles of scenic hiking and biking paths, including a 1,500-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. These pathways, once tram roads used for logging, now provide a unique adventure. Though relatively flat, this trail's varying surfaces and length offer a moderate challenge, especially for those tackling the full distance.

With this in mind, most visitors choose to do the 4.5-mile access trail that leads to the big loop. Along the way, you’ll likely come across alligators, turtles, otters, raccoons, egrets, and hawks! Since wildlife encounters are so common along this hike, we recommend leaving your pets at home.

MARSH TRAIL

The Marsh Trail offers visitors the exciting opportunity to explore the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge on foot! This 2.2-mile round-trip hike is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Enjoy stunning views from the two-story Observation Tower, which is equipped with wildlife viewing scopes and benches.

This novice-level trail is accessible year-round and offers a big payoff for such an easy hike. In fact, if you prefer an even shorter hike, you can opt to just walk to the Observation Tower and turn around. Pro tip: remember your insect repellent!

CLAM PASS BOARDWALK

Clam Pass Park, located behind the Naples Grande Beach Resort, is well worth a visit. To reach the beach, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the three-quarter-mile boardwalk through a tranquil mangrove forest, or take the complimentary tram for a quicker route. From December to April, join free nature walks by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Explore the boardwalk with a volunteer naturalist, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy a unique educational experience. Remember to bring your hat, water, and sunscreen!

BRIGGS BOARDWALK

Don’t miss Briggs Boardwalk at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve! This half-mile, self-guided nature trail takes you through diverse habitats, ranging from scrub forests to mangroves and marshes. Perfect for families and those with mobility issues, the boardwalk offers an easy and enjoyable walk in nature.

Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, including songbirds, ospreys, and even American crocodiles. And don’t forget to tell the kids: the quieter you are, the more likely you are to spot animals in their natural habitat!

BIG CYPRESS BEND BOARDWALK

Experience the wonders of Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, a 2,300-foot wooden path leading you into the heart of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Located east of Naples on the Tamiami Trail, this scenic boardwalk makes for a convenient stop on your way back from Everglades City.

Wander beneath towering bald cypress trees, spot wildlife like green herons, bald eagles, and barred owls, and discover alligators lounging by the water. Along the journey, forty interpretive signs will teach you fascinating facts about the park's history, unique ecosystem, and rare flora and fauna.

Don’t miss the chance to visit these trails and boardwalks to experience the diverse and stunning ecosystems of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades. For those who seek the best in nature and adventure, Only Paradise will do.