Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trail (37) wildlife (18) gators (15) birds (12) alligators (11) water (11) loop (10) walk (8) boardwalk (8) close (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Bryan T. 1 year ago on Google
    I go here about once a month and I absolutely love it. Great photography opportunities, not crowded and everyone you come across is very friendly. You can view wild gators up close (just be careful and obviously don't feed them). I'd recommend going early morning or right before dusk to avoid the heat and humidity. Oh, and it's free!
    9 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 CHIRAG P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of my favorite trail in the area. Guaranteed that you will spot the wildlife including gators. Please give them their space if you come across one sitting on the trail. Respect the fact that you are in their territory! Almost 13 miles of loop if you finish the trail! Lots of birds and other wildlife to see in the further distance so make sure you bring binoculars to have the great time. Get there early in cooler weather and you will definitely come across gators sunbathing! We also came across some snakes so make sure to pay attention to your surroundings! Little children and dogs I would personally not recommend bringing since there are no barriers to protect them except yourself! Get out there, have fun and wear comfy shoes for better experience!
    8 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 10 months ago on Google
    This place is amazing! I saw, no exaggeration, at least one hundred different alligators! Babies, and big ones. In the water and on the trailโ€ฆ.at one point about a dozen blocked the trail and I sadly turned back around. I also saw otters playing, in the water and running the trail in front of me. This was my highlight!! Long hike, and it can become longer if you have to turn around 80% of the way through the loop, so bring lots of water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
    7 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 B L. 1 year ago on Google
    This was our first visit and it was amazing. I don't know why I have not come here before. I have to admit we saw way more alligators than we did birds. I am from Florida and I have never seen so many so close. I could not believe it. We saw 14 in total. 6 of those were babies. Everyone was very respectful of their space and very careful. It was a pretty walk but you are right in nature. There is a short boardwalk and once that ends the rest of the path is right in the middle of it all. The first alligator we saw had part of its tail across the walking path. Crazy! Take water and be aware that the only facilities are two port a potties in the parking lot. Do NOT bring pets. 1) they are not allowed and 2) they will be gator food.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Upper S. 2 years ago on Google
    Only go here if you really want to be up close and personal with the Alligators. You will likely see lots. Please leave your small dogs at home and carry small xhildren. We rode bikes along the trails. It is a 12 mile loop but it takes 2 miles in to get to the loop. You can walk, or ride bikes. We had our kids 9, 10, 13 and 15 with us. 2 times we turned around because big gators blocked the path. We saw all sizes from babies to big 10-12 ft. We saw birds and turtles to. Parking lot can easily fill up on a busy day.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Michael S. 5 months ago on Google
    This is an awesome place to See Florida wildlife. Make sure you use sunscreen. Bring bug repellent. Plenty to drink. To do the whole thing is over 12 miles. If you bike it, know the trail is bumpy, roots and rocks. Also, I wouldn't bring my dog here. The alligators are sometimes literally on the trail or right next to it!!
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Aaron k. 2 years ago on Google
    This excellent 12 mile looped trail has so much to offer anyone who decides to explore it. With multiple habitats comes a wide variety of wildlife to view. From the many birds taking flight in the sky to rabbits and squirrels scurrying along the path and in the trees to the over abundance of alligators in the swamps and marshes. Just be careful because there are some alligators small enough you can accidentally step on them and big enough ones to scare you. I suggest bringing some food and water If you are on foot because it takes quite a bit of time to navigate the entire trail.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Chris S. 1 year ago on Google
    I hiked the full 12 miles for reference. When the trail forks I suggest starting by taking the right trail. The left trail fork is substantially more rugged and that half of the trail has streams of water crossing the path that can be close to knee deep with no way around. I brought approximately 2 liters of water and drank it all by the end. If you're doing the full loop I'd also bring sunscreen and bug spray for the mosquitoes. The earlier in the morning you can start the better.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 ้™ณไบฎๅฝฃ 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful 12-mile trail. The parking lot is not that big. If it is full, parking along the road is the other option. Saw alligators having their sunbathe and relax near to the trail. Usually, keep distance and don't mess up with them. It is okay to walk passing them. It is a nice place to go. Just remember wearing comfortable shoes since most of the trail is not a boardwalk. And be respectful of the wildlife there. You will have a great time :)
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Glenn B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great nature hike. Dogs are discouraged due to Alligators and Snakes. Keep your eyes on the path while walking. Tree roots, snakes, and Alligators are very close to the pathway. Boardwalk is only over wetlands areas. Bring a high-quality flashlight if you are going out in the late afternoon. Gets dark fast with the thick tree canopy.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Andrew N. 3 months ago on Google New
    Great preserve with miles of trails. Saw some great wildlife. Do be careful of the gators sometimes they will be on the trails but you can walk right by them.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jonathan S. 3 months ago on Google New
    The first day we hiked the first mile and half and saw an otter, 6 foot alligator, and a ton of lizards , different birds, and a hawk. Went back two days later and did the 12 mile full trip. Saw over 30 alligators including many on the trail and a 13 foot one along with more otters, more birds, and other animals. The trail gets a bit wet in a few spots but nothing too bad. Worth the visit. Definitely felt like I got the Everglades experience.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Stanislav S. 2 months ago on Google New
    Hidden ๐Ÿ’Ž of the Naples, filled with abundance of wildlife - birds, gators, snakes, etc. Very accessible, and can be enjoyed with kids, also can bike (outside of wet season). Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Reina D. 9 months ago on Google
    Had a remarkable experience at CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trails in Naples. This place is a treasure trove of diverse wildlife. Spotted river otters, raccoons, gators, snakes, and a symphony of birds - truly an adventure for nature lovers! The trails are perfect for a leisurely bike ride but be mindful, the wildlife here is real and active. Itโ€™s probably not a place for small kids or dogs. If you respect the wildlife and want to immerse yourself in Floridaโ€™s natural beauty, youโ€™re in for a treat.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Carola 6 months ago on Google
    There is a short boardwalk and two long trail options if you walk past the boardwalk. I visited in the summer and knew that I would not be able to complete either loop because of the heat. My plan was to turn around after about one hour. I walked slowly because I was looking for wildlife to take photos of. For 90% of the time I was alone, as most visitors did not walk far beyond the boardwalk, and it was nice to listen for wildlife and not be disturbed by other visitors. I did not see much, however. One squirrel, one small egret, a very quick small green bird (probably a warbler), lots of insects and a bald eagle who was eating something on the trail but took off before I could get close. On my way back I got caught in a typical summer storm but it wasn't too bad. The place seemed beautiful to me in the rain and it wasn't hot anymore. Of course the trail got a bit more difficult but it was worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Kate W. 11 months ago on Google
    This place is a hidden gem. I can't believe I didn't know about it sooner. Beautiful and well-maintained trail with close proximity to tons of wildlife. We saw hawks, egrets, herons, and plenty of gators. Were saw so many babies which surprised me since it's so early in the season. We went early before it got too hot and it seemed like the gators were more active in the water, when we left in the afternoon they were all out sunning. Most of the gators on the trail scurried off before we got to them but as long as you give them space they won't bother you. I will definitely be back!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Kitty S. 10 months ago on Google
    It's definitely our new favorite trail! We immediately got to see otters playing and eating mud fish( I actually have no clue what kind they were, but they were interesting looking) in the water. The alligators ranged from medium-sized to juvenile. Of course, we saw some birds: Osprey and Rosette Spoonbills. There were plenty variety of plants to look at and a variety of butterflies everywhere! The walk to point A is about 1.25 miles. Easy to medium difficultty as there are stumps sticking out of the ground that blend in. And if you are a head on a swivel when out in nature such as myself, you don't always look where you are walking. Make sure to bring some water. We will definitely be returning to this location to bike next time.

  • 5/5 Roland K. 3 months ago on Google New
    This loop trail guarantees you a 100% chance of spotting gators in their natural habitat. The trail offers an immersive experience into the fascinating world of these incredible creatures. Please make donations at the entrance, you may not make it back :D. It is a 12-mile loop, and most of the gators are at the halfway point.

  • 5/5 Zachary C. 1 year ago on Google
    Only did the first mile of the trail but it was absolutely worth it. Tons of wildlife, not very busy and a decent amount of shade. Couldnโ€™t ask for better conditions. We saw tons of birds, alligators, baby alligators, river otters and raccoons. The boardwalk was very well maintained and the main trail was well kept.

  • 5/5 Sevenn M. 2 years ago on Google
    Really nice hiking trail with lots of wildlife, the trails are well maintained as well. Iโ€™d recommend this place to any birders or photographers. Itโ€™s also a nice trail for biking and just a quiet nature walk.

  • 5/5 Christie B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a cool place. We saw alligators, an otter and many beautiful birds. The trail was a bit muddy but was well marked and easy to follow. There's a boardwalk for the first mile or so then it's a dirt path. Total distance is about 13 miles but you can turn back whenever. No fee to park but there's a donation box if you want to contribute.

  • 5/5 Emily a. 1 year ago on Google
    I hiked the entirety of Bird Rookery for the first time today solo! It was a little nerve wracking at first with the Alligators since I have never shared a trail with them, however it was gorgeous. It did rain a little bit today so some parts were flooded. I saw only one gator out on the trail that let me pass by and 10-15ish in the water as well as a few hawks.

  • 5/5 themonopolyguy424 1 year ago on Google
    Lots of wildlifeโ€”gators, birds, turtles, bugs/beetles. Decent flora as well. Can get hot/humid and wet in summer. Decent mountain bike loop if dry and/or not blocked by gators.

  • 5/5 Ashley B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful trail filled with wildlife. There's a small boardwalk area but once you get on the trail there is nothing between you and the wildlife so stay respectful. Dogs are technically allowed but I wouldn't recommend taking one. Gators are all over and along side the trail. If you are going to do the loop I recommend doing it on bike as the gators in the back area are HUGE.


Call +1 239-657-2253 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • โœ“๏ธ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • โœ“๏ธ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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