Day Hiking Southwest Florida

“Hikers, history buffs, and birders will enjoy this veteran author’s directions and thoughtful observations. Molloy’s difficulty ratings and habitat descriptions make this an excellent read for those wanting to explore the Caloosahatchee, Sanibel, and the many trails in this unique ecosystem."—Susan Young, coauthor of 25 Kayak & Canoe Trips in East-Central Florida

“From Corkscrew Swamp to Collier-Seminole State Park, Molloy does a thorough job. The hikes are clearly laid out with practical information, GPS coordinates, historical facts, and even whether leashed dogs are permitted. Ideal for both experienced and novice day hikers.”—Doug Alderson, author of Encounters with Florida’s Endangered Wildlife

Whether you’re looking for a shady jaunt in a tropical hardwood forest, an exhilarating trek across palmetto prairies, or a detour down forgotten roads into years past, Day Hiking Southwest Florida is your guide to the perfect outdoor adventure.

Johnny Molloy, outdoorsman extraordinaire, shares forty of his favorite “frontcountry” hikes through city, county, and state parks and their surrounding wildlands. Destinations include Caracara Prairie Preserve, home to several endangered species including the Florida black bear and crested caracara; Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a subtropical island oasis for migratory birds; and Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, site of a World War II airfield training base. With a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels, this guidebook offers many possibilities for all outdoor explorers, from the tourist to the longtime Florida hiker seeking new scenery.

Best of all, the concise format provides everything necessary to get started. For each hike Molloy provides a detailed map, driving directions with GPS coordinates, photographs, and notes about trail junctions, stream crossings, trailside features, and more. Day Hiking Southwest Florida opens up the natural world for you to explore in this vibrant slice of the Sunshine State.