Beginner Trail Ride in the Picayune Strand State Forest
Embarking on a leisurely off-road adventure with your friends and family is a fantastic way to make the most of a day off work, especially when the weather in Southwest Florida is picture-perfect. Imagine having a sturdy Jeep or off-road vehicle, the desire to explore the untamed wilderness, and the enthusiasm to create lasting memories with friends and family. The only hiccup? You're unsure where to begin your adventure. That's where the expertise of TrailMarco, the premier trail riding group in Southwest Florida, comes into play. As a valued member, you have access to a wealth of information and guidance to ensure your off-road journey is not only enjoyable but also stress-free. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know and suggest an easy yet scenic route, making sure your day in the wild is filled with excitement and exploration. Thank you for being a part of TrailMarco—we're here to make your off-road experiences unforgettable. Let's dive into the details!
Never Wheel Alone: Off-roading is an exhilarating experience, but it's crucial to have a buddy system. Always go off-roading with a friend or in a group to ensure assistance in case of emergencies.
Pack Essentials: Equip your Jeep with the essentials—water, snacks, a first aid kit, and necessary tools. Also, carry extra fuel to avoid getting stranded in the great outdoors.
Check Your Ride: Before hitting the trail, conduct a thorough inspection of your Jeep or off-road vehicle. Ensure that all systems are in working order, including brakes, tires, lights and four-wheel drive. Also ensure you have a full tank of gas!
If you're planning to explore Florida's state forests, don't forget to obtain a Florida State Forest Pass. This pass allows for day use or an annual pass option, granting you access to the breathtaking landscapes and well-maintained trails. Visit the official website to get your pass and support the preservation of these natural wonders.
Before we dive into the exhilarating off-road adventure TrailMarco has prepared for you, let's take a moment to appreciate the history that surrounds the Picayune Strand State Forest—a unique landscape with a story that involves a real estate scam.
Picayune Strand State Forest, located in southwestern Florida, was once part of a grand vision that ultimately turned into one of the state's most infamous real estate scams. The area was initially known as Southern Golden Gate Estates, a large-scale development project launched in the 1960s.
Entrepreneurs envisioned turning this vast area into a sprawling community with thousands of homes, extensive road networks, and various amenities. The idea was to transform the natural landscape into a thriving residential and commercial hub, catering to the growing population's demand for housing in Florida.
However, as often happens with grand visions, the reality fell far short of expectations. The developers faced challenges ranging from environmental concerns to financial difficulties. The project's downfall resulted in the area becoming a ghost town of abandoned streets and empty lots—a stark contrast to the bustling community it was meant to be.
In the aftermath of the failed development, the state of Florida recognized the ecological importance of the land. In the 1990s, efforts were made to restore the area's natural habitat, and Picayune Strand State Forest emerged from the ashes of the failed real estate venture. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of environmental conservation.
In the aftermath of the failed development, the state of Florida recognized the ecological importance of the land. In the 1990s, efforts were made to restore the area's natural habitat, and Picayune Strand State Forest emerged from the ashes of the failed real estate venture. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of nature and the importance of environmental conservation.
As you navigate the trails of Picayune Strand State Forest, keep in mind the fascinating history that precedes the forest's transformation. The remnants of the real estate scam are woven into the fabric of the landscape, providing a unique backdrop for your off-road adventure.
Now, let's delve into the picturesque trail crafted by TrailMarco. This beginner-friendly route guarantees a memorable experience while keeping safety in mind.
Starting Point
Enter Sable Palm Road from Collier Blvd (951) and prepare for a scenic journey. You might consider stopping by the South Naples Citrus stand and purchasing fresh oranges, grapefruit and other veggies. Continue your journey past the citrus stand where the payment ends and turns to a dirt road. Eventually the straight road will come to an end and you’ll turn left (north) onto Triple G Loop, providing a thrilling ride that loops around and eventually leads back to the other side of Sable Palm.
Triple G to Miller Blvd
As you continue on Sable Palm it eventually intersects with Miller Blvd where you can turn right (south). Pay attention to the street signs, as the return trip may present a different perspective, and roads can look confusing. Continue south on Miller Blvd where you will see first hand evidence of the Everglades restoration project as workers use large equipment to put the land back to its original grade.
Miller to Stewart
Continue south on Miller Blvd until you reach Stewart. Turn left (east) and follow Stewart until the end.
As you reach the end of Stewart there is a trail branching off the right (south) that leads around to a large green gate. This is entrance of the Fakahatchee Strand. Vehicles are not allowed past that point and do pay attention to the No Vehicles signs in the area. As you look to the north and south you will see what appears to be small ponds of water. This is again remnants of a prior canal that was dug and later filled in with the Everglades restoration project. You will find rather large alligators in these waters so be careful.
Return Trip
Once you've reached the end of Stewart, turn around and retrace your steps back to the starting point. Along the way back you will come across Everglades Blvd. If you want to exit to the north of the Picayune you can take that road directly north and will end up in Golden Gate Estates.
So, as you embark on the TrailMarco-prepared route through Picayune Strand State Forest, take a moment to appreciate the history that surrounds you. The echoes of a real estate dream gone awry are now replaced by the natural beauty and conservation efforts that have defined this area. Enjoy your journey, stay safe, and savor the unique blend of adventure and history that Picayune Strand State Forest has to offer.
Gaia GPS Users!
TrailMarco has made the entire route available via Gaia GPS. Click on the button and it will bring up the route in your Gaia app if accessing from a mobile device or in your web browser.
I'm Ryan with TrailMarco—where's your next adventure?