Looking for a great way to explore and see nature up close? Lace-up those sneakers and set out on a Cape Coral walking trail. With so much to see and so many miles of trails to traverse, you’ll find there’s no better way to enjoy your time in this waterfront wonderland.
Some of the best Cape Coral walking trails include the loop at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park Birding Trail, the trail at Camelot Park, and Glover Bight Trail at Rotary Park.
It’s easy to meet your daily step goal when you’re in Cape Coral. Find a Cape Coral walking trail and enjoy the region’s picturesque scenery and more!
Where Can I Walk in Cape Coral?
There are many great Cape Coral walking trails. No matter whether you’re most interested in getting in some sweat time for exercise or just enjoying nature, walking is a great way to enjoy Cape Coral. The mild weather in Southwest Florida means you can enjoy a Cape Coral walking trail any time of year.
Let’s take a look at 6 can’t-miss Cape Coral walking trails.
Cape Coral Yellow Fever Creek Preserve
There are several walking trails to enjoy at Cape Coral Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. This 340-acre nature preserve in northeast Cape Coral features a Yellow Trail, Green Trail, and a hybrid Yellow-Green Trail.
The Yellow Trail is a 1.36-mile loop. The Green Trail is a .72 mile loop, and the Yellow-Green Trail is a .31 mile trek connecting the two trails. The whole trail system adds up to almost 2.5 miles of walking path to enjoy.
Cape Coral Yellow Fever Creek Preserve is mostly flat pinewoods. You’ll likely see all kinds of wildlife within the preserve, like gopher tortoises, hawks, and sandhill cranes.
The preserve is located at 2801 Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral. Hours are dawn-til-dusk.
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Birding Trail
Charlotte Harbor State Preserve State Park spans over 45,387 acres and protects more than 100 miles of shoreline. This massive park straddles Lee and Charlotte counties and is the third-largest state park in Florida.
Not only is Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park impressive in size, but it is also home to a number of walking paths and nature trails. In fact, the park is recognized by the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail system as a premiere site.
Two of the most popular walking paths for birding include the North Cape Flats Trail and Old Datsun Trail, both located in the Charlotte County portion of the park. North Cape Flats trail is a one-mile loop through pine woods. Old Datsun Trail is a 2-mile loop that takes you through wetlands, hammocks, and more pine woods.
You’ll find the main entrance to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park a little outside of Cape Coral at 12301 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda.
Camelot Park
Camelot Park is a neighborhood park located at 1718 SW 52nd Terrace in Cape Coral. The park is a popular destination for walkers and families thanks to a walking path, horseshoe pits, picnic areas with grills, playground, and tennis and pickleball courts.
The walking path at Camelot Park stands out. The path is a 3/10 mile loop that takes you around the perimeter of the park. This Cape Coral walking trail is a great place to get in a few extra steps.
The park is lit in the evening and restrooms are available.
Four Mile Cove Ecological Perserve
Another Cape Coral walking trail to enjoy birding and nature is at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. This 365-acre preserve is home to a 1.2 mile looped walking path. The path lets you travel down a boardwalk through the mangroves along the Caloosahatchee River.
Consider starting your walk at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve at the Visitor’s Center where you can learn more about the preserve and the wildlife you might encounter along your journey. You might see birds including eagles, ibis, and Herron. Snacks and raccoons are common along the trail as well.
The park is also home to two observation decks right over the river. Fishing is permitted from the decks, so remember your gear if you’d like to cast off. You’ll also find a seasonal Kayak Shack offering rentals, along with picnic areas and the Veterans Memorial.
Getting to Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is easy. The park is located just off Veteran’s Parkway at 2500 SE 24th Stree in Cape Coral. Hours are 8 a.m. to dusk daily.
Glover Bight Trail
The Glover Bight Trail, located at Cape Coral’s Rotary Park, offers a great way to observe natural Southwest Florida. Glover Bight Trail is a boardwalk trail just under half a mile that lets you travel over mangroves and ends over the water at the Glover Bight shallow flats.
You’ll likely see wading birds at the end of the Glover Bight trail. Because of this, Glover Bight Trail is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Rotary Park visitors who conquer Glover Bight Trail also have the opportunity to climb an observation tower to get a bird’s eye view of the area. Other amenities at Rotary Park include a nature center, butterfly house, playground, dog park, kayaking, and educational programming.
Rotary Park is located at 5505 Rose Garden Road in Cape Coral. Daily hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.mm daily. Keep in mind that the best time to visit to observe wildlife and beat the crowds is right at the park’s opening.
Joe Stonis Park
Enjoy the lush landscape and talk a walk at Joe Stonis Park. This Cape Coral neighborhood park is a great place to work up a sweat, thanks to fitness stations around the .4 mile loop trail.
The fitness walking trail at Joe Stonis Park takes you around a pond spanning one acre. Not up to the fitness trail? Consider taking the shorter .2 mile loop trail also located at the park.
Other amenities at Joe Stonis Park include picnic facilities, a playground, lit tennis and pickleball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and restrooms.
You’ll find Joe Stonis Park at 3444 Ceitus Parkway in Cape Coral.
Where Can I Walk my Dog in Cape Coral?
If walking with your pup is your preferred form of exercise, you’re in luck. There are several dog-friendly Cape Coral walking trails.
Dogs are allowed in permitted areas at Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. They must be kept on a leash 6-feet in length or shorter. Dogs also must be well-behaved, so make sure Fido minds his Ps and Qs in the park.
Dogs are not allowed on the Glover Bight Trail at Rotary Park, however, you and your pup are welcome to get steps in around the Wagging Tails Dog Park, which is also on-site. Dogs must be registered to use the park. Registration is $20 and requires your pup to be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Dogs are allowed on-leash on service roads only at Four Mile Ecological Preserve. You may not walk your dog on trails within the preserve.
Dogs are also not allowed at Cape Coral’s city parks.
Does Cape Coral Have a Boardwalk?
Boardwalks are a great way to get close to nature. There are a few boardwalks in Cape Coral that take you over the mangroves and over the water.
Boardwalk trails in Cape Coral include Glover Bight Trail at Rotary Park and Four Mile Cove Ecological Park. The boardwalk on Glover Bight Trail is wheelchair-friendly and safe for the whole family.
How Long is Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve?
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve spans 365 acres, which is just over half a square mile. The trail at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is a 1.2-mile loop.
How Did Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve Get Its Name?
If Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve isn’t 4 miles how did it get its name? According to information from the City of Cape Coral, the area that is now known as Cape Coral was known as Four Mile Cove before development and incorporation. The preserve’s name is a throwback to the previous era.
Are Dogs Allowed at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve?
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve isn’t exactly pet-friendly. Dogs are only allowed on service roads in the preserve. This means you won’t be able to take your dog on the boardwalk trail.
Enjoy Nature During Your Cape Coral Vacation
Make conquering a Cape Coral walking trail part of your next Southwest Florida vacation. Royal Shell offers Cape Coral waterfront vacation rentals, which give you a perfect home base when exploring the area’s natural wonders.
From the 6-bedroom Sand Dollars estate to the pet-friendly Maison Del Mar, you’re sure to find a breathtaking vacation rental to enjoy everything the region has to offer. Start planning your next Southwest Florida vacation today with help from Royal Shell. Contact us today and get ready to enjoy your time in our corner of the Sunshine State.
