CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trails

Nice boardwalk (for walking only) through part of a huge watershed. Information signs as you walk. Moderated busy, but you can still enjoy it. A wide variety of birds and of course alligators. Alligators are located by the parking, and we saw lots of them down the dirt trail from the parking lot. Those being very close to the trail. You can bike on the dirt trail and around the surrounding area.

Absolutely phenomenal trail system! Impeccably maintained, clear signage and a number of benches and picnic tables along the way. Tons of wildlife, including some large gators that spend their days on the trails. Also lots of babies, depending when you’re here. The birding is outta this world! The majority of the trail will be dry no matter what time of year it is, however there are a few sections where encountering ankle deep water may occur. Most of those places you can jump over the water hazard lol Bikes are allowed and recommended for tackling the whole loop. I’ve personally never biked it, but there’s always a lot of bikers there when we go. The trail is narrow and bumpy with tree roots and gravel in places, so be advised of that. Plenty of shade for the majority, and an absolutely refreshing breeze once you hit the lake. (Private lake; don’t plan to take a dip lol) The system now connects to the purple trail of Flint Strand, making for an intense day if you tackle them both! The parking lot is gravel and probably 24 spots available, if everyone parks like adults lol Street parking also available. All parking is free and first come. They don’t have hours posted but I can almost guarantee it’s dawn to dusk. 2 well maintained portapotties are in the parking lot, and nothing once you’re out on the trail. No trash cans either; strict trash in trash out policy. Bring water, bring snackies, bring your camera, and potentially a change of shoes for the drive home 🙂 Highly recommend checking out this trail system! Oh and there’s also a bunch of geocaches if you’re into that! We are!

Awesome trail. I did the full loop. I saw many types of birds, multiple snakes, and many alligators of all sizes. I would not recommend walking the loop unless you are very confident around wildlife and specifically within chomping distance of alligators. There were at least a dozen, maybe a few dozen, alligators on or directly next to the trail; it gets a bit scary. Some will be taking up the entire trail and there is no way to walk around without walking in the water. PLAN AHEAD WITH PLENTY OF TIME, WATER AND SNACKS. It would be very possible to get spooked and get stuck for a while. I did this alone but I would not recommend it. If you do this alone I would definitely let someone know when you start and when you plan on finishing/checking in.

This place is a birder’s paradise. Even the road leading to the parking lot had a diversity of birds coexisting. Surprisingly, the further I was in the trail the less birds I saw. But it’s still a beautiful and peaceful walk. Highlights were seeing painted buntings and hearing a barred owl. Other than birds, I saw one gator and a raccoon. Perfect Florida winter activity. Planning on joining a guided hike in the future!

I only went out 1.5 miles and back on the trail. But it was an excellent flat walk. There was even one couple pushing a stroller. Birds an other wildlife all along the way. I will definitely go again the next time I'm in Naples.