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Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

 About Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

A line of palm trees in the preserve with yellow flowers blooming below.

A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

John Aspiolea

There are several trails that provide opportunities for observing birds and other wildlife around the Preserve.  If you are looking for well maintained trails you may want to come to our Punta Gorda Management Unit on Burnt Store Road.  Stop in at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for great information about the habitats and animals that this park protects.  There are other trails throughout the park.  However, most of these provide a more natural experience and the trails recieve less maintenence than those in Punta Gorda.  Please call the park office for further information about the trails.

 

Florida's heat and insects can be overwhelming for the unprepared.  Bring water and bug spray.  Relax and walk slowly, while absorbing the beauty of the Preserve.  Take plenty of water breaks, but remember, there is no drinking water available in the backcountry of the Preserve (Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!) so, be sure to pack in enough water to sustain you for your well-planned hike.  Volunteers spend many hours maintaining the trails and working with our resource management team to protect and restore the Preserve’s natural and cultural resources. If you would like to find out more about volunteering in one of the most beautiful places in Florida, please give us a call.

Another way to experience the Preserve is by canoe, kayak, or shallow draft powerboat. Fishing in the back bays and tidal creeks of the Preserve is some of the best in the world. Please follow all applicable fishing regulations. More information about paddling opportunities is in the welcome message below.

The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves dedicate time and money every year to support activities in the Preserve. Call us if you would like to join or check out their website: Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (FCHAP)

DESIGNATIONS

The Great Florida Birding Trail Logo

GETTING HERE

  • The administrative, resource management and facilities maintenance offices are located on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda approximately 3 miles south of US 41/Tamiami Trail.
  • Other access points to the park are available in Cape Coral, Cape Haze, El Jobean, Little Pine Island and Rotonda.

GET INVOLVED

CONCESSIONAIRES

PET POLICY