The North Colonial Trail is a 2.5 mile multiuse trail in the Florida city of Fort Myers. The trail begins on Colonial Boulevard, near the intersection of that road with 6 Miles Cypress Parkway. It sits on the north side of the Colonial Boulevard, but rather than curve with the road, it continues heading west, tracing the edge of the Eastwood Golf Course. You'll come to the first of the street crossings along the route - Province Park Boulevard. All crossings are at grade but they are well-marked. Still, always proceed with caution.
As you continue west, the trail parallels a canal but soon it starts to wind, repeatedly taking you away from the water's edge, into the forest, and back. Across Veronica Shoemaker Boulevard is the Trailhead Neighborhood Park, where you can park your car, or pause to rest. A further 0.7 miles brings you to the trail's west endpoint, on Old Metro Parkway.
The North Colonial Trail is paved and accommodates uses such as biking, walking and in-line skating for folks of all ages. It's proximity to both the canal and the forest make it a good location for bird spotting and a dock along the route provides an ideal fishing spot.
Parking is available at the Calusa Nature Center (3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers) and at the Trailhead Neighborhood Park (3980 Veronica S. Shoemaker Blvd, Fort Myers).
There's been about a half mile section of this trail closed between Province Park Blvd and Veronica S Shoemaker Blvd for at least three months. It appears as if no work is being done on this section. Anyone know when it will reopen? The trail is short enough as it is...Thanks.
I first rode this in late December and it was closed from about a mile in from the east end at Ortiz all they way to the western end at Veronica Shoemaker. I checked yesterday and the west end still had road closed signs up.
Nowhere to park ;(
This is a nice paved trail. Make this ride almost twice as long by turning north (left) at Ortiz and go about 2 more miles north. We park at the trailside park on veronica shoemacher drive ..just north of winkler road. I like these paved trails that are not right on the road... much safer and wide enough to ride at least 2 bikes side by side.. About 8 miles total...up and back....
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