Find the top rated birding trails in Villas, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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I stumbled upon this trail in March as I was driving around wasting an afternoon while it was raining, and found that I was pleasantly surprised by it when I brought my bike back a few days later. The trail was extremely smooth, with easy crossings at the few streets that you encounter. There are several places to stop and rest if you need. Most of the trail is lined by trees, which helps knock down the wind and provides much needed shade from the hot Florida sun!
One of the things that I look for most in a trail is if I can use the ride as a good workout. The Cape Haze Pioneer Trail most certainly provides that!
There is plenty of parking at a trail head just south of SR 776-Gasparilla Road, that also has restroom facilities.
I rode this trail multiple times during March, and decided that I am not so much of a fan. The trail is wide open next to the waterway, which gives some cool views of boats passing by, but the concrete pavement seams provide a nearly constant pounding in your hands and arms as you are riding. The trail winds south along the waterway from the Venice Depot, and easily connects to the Legacy Trail which is a MUCH better option...in my opinion.
Starting at the NW Trailhead Colonial Blvd and Ortiz, there is a three mile section heading west that is completely off road and a very nice canal ride. Two road crossings. At that point I encountered a sign claiming the trail ended. I made my way south on Metro Pkwy in a well marked bike lane turning left (west) on Colonial Blvd for a block before getting on the Yarbrough trail again (TenMile Canal). At Daniels Pkwy there is a section that advises going down the the crossing lane, and since it is a very busy and wide Pkwy, I followed that advise. Back on the canal the trail continues to the technical end at the 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy. I continued to ride it back up to my original start for a 19+ mile ride.
Loved the trail and the wildlife and flora along the trail. I chased a two foot long iguana for a short time, until it finally heard me coming up behind.
It's a well maintained trail, and well used. A great ride.
Some shade on northern half depending on time of day. Phillips Park about mid island is a good place to park.
We rode from St James to the middle of Pine Island. The trail was just okay. Nice cement sidewalk along side the highway. Not a lot to see. However, beyond the trail in St James we had the best seafood gumbo ever at The Waterfront Inn Restaurant and the Key Lime Pie was to die for!!
Stop at the visitor center as you enter the island to get a map. Free parking and restrooms at the SCCF Park 1300 Periwinkle Way, about a mile from the visitor center. Trails are all in good condition and separated from traffic. There are much more than 24 miles if you do all the trails. The trail is busy along Periwinkle, but then it thins out and you can ride as fast as you want. Bikes can be rented in a number of locations so there are a lot of kids and inexperienced riders, but they usually stay on their side.
First time on this trail and enjoyed everything around me.
This long concrete path links Bokeelia in the north, to St James City in the south of Pine Island.
Yes, it can be somewhat boring, due to lack of buffer landscaping and rest areas along the busy main road, Stringfellow. However, just off the path are some truly unique sights: such as the historically-significant Calusa homeland, Pineland (extinct indigenous peoples of southwest Florida), and beautiful conservation areas, like Galt Preserve.
Off-path side roads are flat, quiet and welcoming for bicyclists, especially beginning north of Harbor Drive-Pineland, keeping west and north. Don't be afraid to venture off the concrete, but bring plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Great photo opps: Bokeelia fishing pier, Pineland Marina pier, Calusa shell mounds, Randall Research Center.
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Note: locally, bicyclists and residents have been asking Lee County, FL to reduce speed on Stringfellow to 45 mph. In the meantime, use caution when crossing Stringfellow Road.
Of interest to mountain bike and dirt riders: numerous dirt-sand roads crisscross Pine Island's many palm plantations. Some, but not all of these roads, are public property. Consult local maps for the best guides, available at Pine Island Library, Russell Road.
A good portion of this relatively short bike path runs along the main road which is shared by bicycles and golf carts. Once your reach the lighthouse and town center, the scenery improves and there are options for dining and refreshments. You can take the Cape Haze Trail to the causeway onto the island, but be prepared to pay a hefty $3.00 per bicycle toll to cross over.
Excellent trail well maintained interesting nature and good rest stop facilities
This is a poor excuse for not providing a decent bike lane on the two lane road that was just re-paved and could easily have included a bike lane on each side. The "bike path" is overgrown and hazardous if you are on a road bike. I used the road and had vehicles blaring horns to move but nowhere to go.
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