Once part of a large land scam in South Florida, the property that became Picayune State Forest was extensively altered.
Its wet flatwoods and swamps were drained for a planned development known as Golden Gate Estates.
When this portion of that venture ultimately failed, the state stepped in and began acquiring lots in 1985.
They eventually took measures to restore hydrology and bring the ecological communities back to a more natural state.
Cypress swamp in the dry seasonDesigned by Boy Scouts, the Sabal Palm Trail explores western edges of the forest, providing a glimpse of diverse landscapes from pine uplands to water-filled cypress strands.
Part of the State Forest Trailwalker Program, this trail consists of two interconnected loops, allowing for hikes of differing lengths.
Expect much of the route to be underwater in the summer and fall, especially after heavy rain events.
Bench and interpretive signResources
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Overview
Location: Naples
Length: 3.4 miles
Trailhead: 26.094889, -81.634028
Address: Sabal Palm Rd, Naples
Fees: $2 per person
Restrooms: Portable restroom near the trailhead
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 239-348-7557
Open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Directions
From Interstate 75 exit 101 take CR 951 (Collier Blvd) south 4.8 miles to Sabal Palm Rd. Turn left and follow the road, which becomes a dirt road. After 3.4 miles, keep alert on the right for a driveway leading back to the trailhead parking and kiosk.
Hike
At the trailhead, a large kiosk and set of interpretive signs provide detailed descriptions and maps of the forest, along with paper brochures.
Begin your hike heading south along a wide, sandy pathway through a forest of young South Florida slash pines.
Trailhead kioskA large portion of this pine flatwoods community burned to the ground during a wildfire in 2012.
The environment has rebounded with a healthy covering of grasses, saw palmettos, and shrubs.
Red blazes lead the way to a sign at the beginning of the A Loop, where pines begin to give way to cypress trees.
At this point, the trail may become flooded during the wet season.
Planted pinesContinue south at the first fork, descending further into the swamp along corridors lined with dense walls of melaleuca.
This fast-growing invasive tree thrives in this environment and has proven to be very difficult to remove.
Attempts to control the propagation of this plant can be seen in a few clear-cut areas alongside the trail.
Melaleuca mazeThe trail takes a sharp turn to the left at 0.6 mile, passing through a well-managed mesic flatwoods habitat where oaks, love vine, and cocoplum take hold on higher ground.
Elevation steadily drops while heading eastward, and the path eventually crosses a fern-filled strand swamp.
Cypress strand with bench along grassy footpathNearing the one-mile mark on the other side of the strand, turn right at the next intersection to begin the B Loop.
This spot used to have a primitive campsite on the corner where a rusted grill remains, poking up from a cluster of tall grasses.
A and B Loop junctionSabal palms increase in number, and cypress grows taller before reaching the southern end of the loop at 1.4 miles.
At this point, the path climbs up onto a berm and heads to the east, overlooking seasonally swampy landscapes to the north and south.
Raised bermAs the trail curves back toward the trailhead, it joins a sandy forest road edged by grassy pine prairies.
Deep sugar sand can make for difficult footing until the trail cuts off into the flatwoods again at 2.3 miles. In another tenth of a mile, turn right to begin the second half of the A Loop.
Pine prairieA handful of small oak hammocks appear alongside the path as it continues northward, then takes a sharp left turn along a windy stretch before completing the loop at 3 miles.
From this point, follow the linear section back through the flatwoods restoration, reaching the trailhead in another 0.4 miles.
Oak hammockTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking the Sabal Palm Trail
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