The floodwater from Hurricane Ian rose to near a height of two feet due to rotating hurricane winds and a king tide. This has presented significant challenges to staff and volunteers in the restoration of the park's natural and cultural resources.
The images below were taken Sept. 29, 2022, the day after Hurricane Ian passed in the Gulf of Mexico, west of Naples. Notice the high water marks on the kiosk to the right of the Bay City Walking Dredge.
Hurricane Ian flood water at the Bay City Walking Dredge.
Notice the color demarcation of the stone in the Blockhouse image.
Hurricane Ian flood water at the Blockhouse.
Hurricane Ian flood at the campground.
Hurricane Ian flood water in the campground.
Hurricane Ian flood water at the park's Indian Village.
Hurricane Ian flood water at the picnic area. View 1.
Hurricane Ian flood water at the picnic area and playground.
The Royal Palm Hammock Nature Trail boardwalk is currently closed. Hurricane Ian floodwater damaged most of the boardwalk, lifting it up from its pilings and twisting it into a roller-coaster pattern. Please refer to our park's main page for all trail reopening dates.
Damage of the Royal Palm Hammock Nature Trail Boardwalk after Hurricane Ian.
The western section of the park's northern trail, the Strand Swamp Trail, is still closed for maintenance due to the September 2022 flooding of Hurricane Ian. Park staff, volunteers and the Florida Trails Association, the Alligator Amblers chapter, are working hard on this 5.5-mile stretch of trail. We are busy trimming, clearing and renewing old trail blazes so you can safely navigate and enjoy this picturesque hiking adventure.
The 3-mile eastern section, the Flatwoods Trail, is open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. through the summer and until 4 p.m. during the winter. Please stop at the ranger station before attempting to access this trail.
Florida Trails Association members of the Alligator Amblers chapter along with park staff take a break for a photo op along the Strand Swamp trail.
