Experiences
Off-road cycling is available on the Estero River Scrub Trails. Riders are asked to please not ride on the salt flats. It is not beneficial for this habitat or for your bicycle due to the high salt content of the water and soil.
- Bicycles are not permitted on the Winkler Point trails.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
With over 7,000 acres of mangroves, the water is the best way to experience this part of the preserve. The majority of the undeveloped inland shore, islands and waterways of the Estero Bay are all part of the preserve.
- Public boat launches are available at Lovers Key State Park and Koreshan State Park.
The Estero River can be accessed by hiking 0.75 miles to the end of the Blue Trail from the Estero River Scrub access point.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fishing in Florida website.
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Estero Bay Preserve State Park has two trail systems.
- The Estero River Scrub has four marked trails with a combined length of 10 miles. These trails meander through pine flatwoods and tidal salt flats and lead to the Estero River. The trails here are seasonally wet. Best times to visit are typically October through May when the trails are at their driest.
- The Winkler Point trails have three loops totaling 6 miles. Here the trails take you through wet flatwoods, salt marshes and mangroves. There are two observation decks overlooking tidal ponds, which are a good place to view waterfowl and wading birds. This area is very seasonally wet, and the trails are difficult to maintain due to the hydrology of the site with trails completely submerged most of the year. Best times to visit are typically January through May when the trails are at their driest.
With over 7,000 acres of mangroves, the water is the best way to experience this part of the preserve. The majority of the undeveloped inland shore, islands and waterways of the Estero Bay are all part of the preserve. Paddling is a great way to explore the shallow waters of the bay.
- Public boat launches are available at Lovers Key State Park and Koreshan State Park.
Amenities
Estero Bay Preserve State Park has two trail systems.
- The Estero River Scrub has four marked trails with a combined length of 10 miles. These trails meander through pine flatwoods and tidal salt flats and lead to the Estero River. The trails here are seasonally wet. Best times to visit are typically October through May when the trails are at their driest.
- The Winkler Point trails have three loops totaling 6 miles. Here the trails take you through wet flatwoods, salt marshes and mangroves. There are two observation decks overlooking tidal ponds, which are a good place to view waterfowl and wading birds. This area is very seasonally wet, and the trails are difficult to maintain due to the hydrology of the site with trails completely submerged most of the year. Best times to visit are typically January through May when the trails are at their driest.
- Parking is available at the Estero River Scrub trailhead. A pavilion and restroom are located at the trailhead and numerous benches are located throughout the preserve to allow visitors to rest and observe nature.
- Parking for Winkler Point is located along the cul-de-sac at the end of Winkler Road.
