More Than Beaches and Golf: Beautiful Places to Hike and Walk in Naples, Florida

Naples is known for beautiful beaches, private golf clubs, exceptional dining and a polished coastal lifestyle. What surprises many people considering a move here is just how close the city is to wild Florida.

Within minutes of downtown, you can walk beside the Gordon River, cross wetlands on an elevated boardwalk or watch wading birds from a quiet preserve. Drive a little farther, and the landscape opens into pine flatwoods, ancient cypress forests, marshes and the Everglades.

Collier County offers more than 40 public hiking trails and trail systems. Some are easy, shaded walks that can be enjoyed in an hour. Others lead into remote areas where the trail may be wet, wildlife is abundant and preparation matters.

This is another side of the Naples lifestyle, and one of the reasons living here can feel so different from simply vacationing here.

Easy Nature Walks Close to Naples

You do not have to leave town to feel connected to nature.

The Gordon River Greenway is one of the easiest places to begin. Its paved and elevated pathways travel through wetlands and native vegetation near the center of Naples. The greenway connects with Freedom Park, where boardwalks wind around ponds, marshes and preserved habitat. It is common to see turtles, wading birds and the occasional alligator while walking only minutes from some of Naples’ busiest streets.

Nearby, Baker Park offers a more polished recreational experience along the Gordon River. Its paved paths, bridges, landscaped areas and connections to the greenway make it ideal for walking, biking or meeting a friend outdoors.

The Naples Preserve on Fleischmann Boulevard is another small but meaningful natural retreat. Its boardwalk passes through pine flatwoods and protected gopher tortoise habitat, providing a glimpse of what much of Naples looked like before development.

These are not strenuous hikes. They are places where nature can become part of an ordinary Naples morning.

Boardwalks, Beaches and Coastal Habitats

Some of the area’s best nature walks lead directly toward the Gulf.

At Clam Pass Park, a three-quarter-mile boardwalk travels through a mangrove forest before reaching the beach. You can walk or take the complimentary tram, but the boardwalk itself is part of the experience. Depending on the season, you may see butterflies, coastal birds, crabs and marine life in the shallow water below.

Barefoot Beach Preserve offers a more natural coastal landscape. The Saylor Trail passes through tropical vegetation, maritime hammock and mangrove habitat before reaching Wiggins Pass. Gopher tortoises are frequently seen near the trail and dunes.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park also combines beach access with opportunities to walk through coastal habitat. It is a beautiful example of how quickly the Naples landscape can shift from residential neighborhoods to preserved shoreline.

Farther south, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects approximately 110,000 acres of mangrove forest, uplands and coastal waters. Its walking opportunities include the short Briggs Boardwalk and the Trails Through Time, where visitors can explore native habitat as well as the area’s human history.

These walks are especially appealing to people who want the Naples beach lifestyle but also value birding, kayaking, shelling and quieter encounters with the coast.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one of the most extraordinary natural places in Southwest Florida.

Its famous boardwalk passes through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh and the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. Some of the trees are hundreds of years old and rise high above the surrounding swamp.

The experience changes throughout the year. During wetter periods, water moves beneath the boardwalk and disperses wildlife across the sanctuary. During the dry season, birds, alligators and other animals often gather around the remaining water sources.

Corkscrew is approachable for visitors who may not consider themselves hikers. The boardwalk is elevated and well maintained, but the surrounding landscape feels beautifully removed from modern Naples.

For someone considering a move to North Naples, the Estates, Immokalee Road or one of the golf communities in northeastern Collier County, having Corkscrew and the CREW trail systems nearby can become a meaningful part of the lifestyle.

More Than 40 Miles of Hiking at CREW

The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, better known as CREW, contains more than 40 miles of public hiking trails across several distinct trail systems.

The CREW Marsh Trails offer 5.5 miles of marked loops through pine flatwoods, oak hammocks, marsh and popash slough. Observation areas provide broad views across the watershed, and the relatively flat terrain makes the trails manageable for many walkers.

The Cypress Dome Trails include approximately six miles of loops traveling through pine flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress domes. These trails also connect with Caracara Prairie Preserve.

Bird Rookery Swamp is one of the area’s most memorable hiking destinations. The trail system extends approximately 12 miles along old logging trams through a maple-cypress swamp. A boardwalk makes the beginning approachable, but the longer route feels increasingly wild. Alligators, otters, deer, bobcats and an extraordinary variety of birds inhabit the surrounding landscape.

Flint Pen Strand offers additional hiking, biking and wildlife-viewing opportunities closer to Bonita Springs. Together, these CREW trail systems provide everything from a short morning nature walk to a substantial wilderness hike.

Fakahatchee Strand: The Wild Side of Collier County

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is often called the Amazon of North America because of its exceptional biological diversity.

The most accessible introduction is the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, which travels through old-growth cypress forest to an observation area. It is an easy walk, but the landscape feels completely removed from coastal Naples.

More adventurous hikers can explore former logging routes such as East Main Tram, West Main Tram, Jones Grade and the Uplands Hiking Trail. These trails travel through strand swamp, prairie and upland habitat. Conditions can be wet, muddy and remote.

Fakahatchee contains approximately 192 miles of historic tram roads, although many are overgrown and only a portion are maintained for regular hiking. This is a place where visitors should carry water, use insect repellent, understand seasonal conditions and download a trail map before setting out.

The Florida Trail and Big Cypress

For an entirely different experience, the Florida National Scenic Trail crosses through the wild interior of Southwest Florida.

The full Florida Trail extends approximately 1,300 miles across the state, from the edge of the Everglades to the Florida Panhandle. Its southern sections pass through Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand, giving experienced hikers access to landscapes that most Naples residents only see from the road.

Big Cypress also offers shorter, individually named hikes.

The one-mile Kirby Storter Boardwalk is one of the most approachable. It passes through open prairie and into a mature cypress strand, ending at a seasonal gator hole.

Deep Lake Trail is another approximately one-mile round-trip hike leading to one of South Florida’s rare natural sinkhole lakes.

Gator Hook Trail is a different experience entirely. This five-mile round-trip route passes from an old logging tram into the cypress swamp, where hikers may encounter water ranging from ankle to hip depth. It is a genuine wet hike and requires suitable footwear, preparation and comfort with wilderness conditions.

The beauty of hiking in Collier County is the range. You can choose a polished boardwalk with restrooms and easy parking or step into an environment that feels almost untouched.

When Is the Best Time to Hike in Naples?

For most people, the best hiking season is November through April.

Temperatures are lower, humidity is more comfortable and many wilderness trails are drier. This is also the busiest time of year, so popular destinations can be more crowded in the morning and on weekends.

Summer hiking can still be beautiful, particularly early in the day, but heat, humidity, mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms require more planning. Low-lying trails may be flooded during the wet season.

Before heading out, consider:

• Checking current trail and weather conditions
• Carrying more water than you expect to need
• Wearing closed-toe shoes
• Bringing insect repellent and sun protection
• Downloading a map in advance
• Keeping a safe distance from wildlife
• Confirming whether dogs are permitted
• Telling someone where you are going on remote hikes

Wildlife is part of the experience. Alligators, snakes, bears and Florida panthers inhabit portions of Collier County, although sightings of larger animals are uncommon. Stay on marked routes, remain aware of your surroundings and never feed or approach wildlife.

What Hiking Reveals About Living in Naples

The surprising abundance of trails tells a larger story about Naples.

This is a place where a refined coastal city sits beside one of the most important natural landscapes in the country. Approximately 80% of Collier County is protected within parks, preserves, wildlife refuges and conservation lands.

That relationship between city and wilderness influences how different parts of Naples feel.

Someone who wants a morning walk at Freedom Park may appreciate living in the Moorings, Coquina Sands, Grey Oaks or central Naples. A buyer who spends weekends exploring CREW and Bird Rookery Swamp may feel at home in North Naples, Golden Gate Estates or one of the communities along Immokalee Road. Buyers drawn to Rookery Bay, Fakahatchee and the Ten Thousand Islands may prefer south Naples, Isles of Capri or Marco Island.

A home is only part of the decision. The more important question is how you want your life in Naples to look when you step outside your front door.

Whether that means walking to the beach, playing golf, meeting friends for pickleball or spending a quiet morning beneath ancient cypress trees, the right location can make the lifestyle you imagine part of your everyday routine.

If you are considering a move to Naples, I would be happy to help you explore the neighborhoods that best fit the way you want to live.

Where the Trails Are: Hiking and Nature Walks in Collier County

The following list includes many of the public hiking trails, boardwalks, greenways and larger trail systems found across Naples and Collier County. Some locations contain several separately named loops or backcountry routes.

Naples and Central Collier County

• Gordon River Greenway: A combination of paved paths and elevated boardwalks through wetlands near central Naples.
• Freedom Park: Boardwalks and nature trails around lakes, marshes and preserved wetland habitat.
• Baker Park: Paved riverfront paths with connections to the Gordon River Greenway.
• Naples Preserve: A short boardwalk through pine flatwoods and protected gopher tortoise habitat.
• Rich King Memorial Greenway: A paved greenway for walking, running and cycling in East Naples.
• Sugden Regional Park: A recreational walking route around Lake Avalon.
• East Naples Community Park: A nature walking trail around the park’s lake.
• Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park: A 2.5-mile nature trail and an additional paved walking and running path.
• North Collier Regional Park: A 2.5-mile walking trail through the regional park.

Coastal Trails and Boardwalks

• Clam Pass Boardwalk: A three-quarter-mile boardwalk through mangroves leading to the Gulf.
• Barefoot Beach Preserve Saylor Trail: A shaded nature trail through tropical coastal habitat with access to Wiggins Pass.
• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Coastal nature walks through preserved beach and maritime habitat.
• Briggs Boardwalk at Rookery Bay: A short nature boardwalk through scrub and hammock habitat.
• Rookery Bay Trails Through Time: Trails combining natural habitat with the human history of the reserve.
• Shell Island Road trails: Primitive opportunities to explore coastal uplands and estuarine habitat within the Rookery Bay area.
• Ten Thousand Islands Marsh Trail: An approximately one-mile route to an observation tower overlooking marsh and refuge habitat.
• Tigertail Beach: A coastal walk through lagoon, tidal and beach habitat on Marco Island.
• Otter Mound Preserve: A shaded loop through rare tropical hardwood hammock on Marco Island.

Corkscrew Swamp and CREW

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Boardwalk: An elevated route through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, marsh and old-growth bald cypress forest.
• CREW Marsh Trails: Approximately 5.5 miles of marked loops through several distinct ecosystems.
• CREW Cypress Dome Trails: Approximately six miles of loops through pine flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress domes.
• Caracara Prairie Preserve Trails: Hiking routes connected to the CREW Cypress Dome system.
• Bird Rookery Swamp Trail: Approximately 12 miles of boardwalk and old logging trams through maple-cypress swamp.
• Flint Pen Strand Trails: A developing trail network through hydric pine flatwoods, marsh and canal habitat.
• Billy G. Cobb Memorial Trail: One of the primary marked routes within Flint Pen Strand.

Conservation Collier Preserves

• Pepper Ranch Preserve: Hiking, wildlife viewing and seasonal camping within one of Conservation Collier’s largest preserves.
• Nancy Payton Preserve: Trails through pine flatwoods and protected wildlife habitat in eastern Naples.
• Railhead Scrub Preserve: Natural trails through scrub and pine habitat near Old 41.
• Red Maple Swamp Preserve: A protected wetland landscape with public nature access.
• Cocohatchee Creek Preserve: Preserved habitat associated with the Cocohatchee watershed.
• Caracara Prairie Preserve: Prairie and wildlife habitat connected to the larger CREW trail network.
• Otter Mound Preserve: A small but historically and ecologically significant tropical hardwood hammock.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

• Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk: An accessible boardwalk into old-growth cypress forest.
• East Main Tram: One of Fakahatchee’s most frequently used wilderness hiking routes.
• West Main Tram: A former logging route passing through strand swamp and opening into marl prairie.
• Jones Grade Trail: A backcountry route connecting with East Main Tram, Pennington Post and the Florida Trail.
• Pennington Post Trail: Part of Fakahatchee’s interconnected wilderness trail network.
• Uplands Hiking Trail: A route through the park’s higher and generally drier natural communities.
• Janes Memorial trail extension: A section of the historic road closed to vehicles and open for hiking and biking.
• Numbered-gate tram trails: Additional former logging trams accessible from Janes Memorial Scenic Drive.

Big Cypress National Preserve

• Florida National Scenic Trail: A portion of the approximately 1,300-mile statewide trail crossing Big Cypress and Fakahatchee.
• Gator Hook Trail: A five-mile round-trip wet hike through cypress swamp.
• Kirby Storter Boardwalk: An approximately one-mile round-trip boardwalk into a mature cypress strand.
• Deep Lake Trail: An approximately one-mile round-trip hike to a rare natural sinkhole lake.
• Fire Prairie Trail: A backcountry route open to hiking and biking.
• Bear Island trails: Remote hiking and backcountry access routes in the northern preserve.
• Turner River trails: Designated backcountry routes through cypress, prairie and pineland habitat.
• Nobles Grade: A raised historic route through the preserve that can be explored on foot or bicycle.

Collier-Seminole State Park

• Royal Palm Hammock Nature Trail: A short walk through tropical hammock habitat.
• Prairie Hammock Trail: A longer route through prairie, pine flatwoods and hammock.
• Adventure Trail: A more primitive hike that may be wet during portions of the year.
• Bay City Walking Dredge historic area: Short walking routes surrounding one of the machines used to build the Tamiami Trail.