Hiking, biking, and walking trails on Sanibel Island.
Did you know that more than 60% of Sanibel Island is conservation land? With that, there are a number of dedicated nature trails to explore! SCCF has created a list of some of the walking, hiking, and biking trails that are open to the public.
Sanibel Island Trails
SCCF Trails
1. SCCF Nature Center Trails – Walk 1/2 mile to the Sanibel River tower and back, or walk all 4.5 miles of trails amongst Sanibel interior freshwater wetlands. Visit the SCCF Nature Center for more information and the most up-to-date trail maps.
2. Periwinkle Preserve ‐ Walk seven acres of restored migratory bird trails and hardwood hammock. Note, there is no on‐site parking, must arrive by bike or foot. Park at nearby Jerry’s and walk 1/10 mile west on Periwinkle bike path to the trailhead. For more information, visit the Periwinkle Preserve webpage.
3. Bob Wigley Preserve ‐ Two short trails, one leading to a gazebo and a second leading to an overlook on the Sanibel River. No parking…bike or walk to the trailhead via Casa Ybel Road. Click here for more information.
Not listed on the map:
Shipley Trail – Located at SCCF’s Bailey Homestead Preserve. It connects two City of Sanibel parks: Roadside City Park on Periwinkle and Pond Apple Park/Trail. Click here for more information.
City of Sanibel Trails
4. Sanibel Gardens ‐ 265-acre preserve located across from Bailey’s General Store, via Island Inn Rd. There is parking at the trailhead. Visit the Sanibel Gardens Preserve webpage for more information.
5. Pond Apple Trail ‐ Walk or bike this 1.6-mile loop and spot Sanibel wildlife. Parking is available at the Chamber of Commerce. Our good friend, Beverly Henson, has posted wildlife photos from Pond Apple Trail on her blog linked here.
6. Bowman’s Beach Trail ‐ There is paid parking at Bowman’s Beach with a footbridge trail to leads to the white sandy beach, or a fitness trail that runs along a wooded path.
7. Silver Key Trail ‐ Trial along the Silver Key Preserve which is a 64-acre preserve protected by the city of Sanibel. Use paid parking at Blind Pass and walk .5 mile SE along the beach to the trailhead.
8. Lighthouse Park – Use paid parking at Lighthouse Beach – Walking Trails, Restrooms, Fishing Pier, and Picnic Area.
Ding Darling Trails
9. Indigo Trail ‐ Park at Ding Darling Refuge education center. Walk the 4-mile round-trip trail.
10. Shell Mound Trail ‐ Park at the end of Wildlife Drive. Walk ¼ mile boardwalk trail.
11. Bailey Tract ‐ Walk or bike through trails on Tarpon Bay Rd. Parking is available at the trailhead.
Watch my video below to learn more about what you might see at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or click the link to read the blog.
