Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park – Florida Hikes

Constructed for stormwater filtration, Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park opened to the general public in 2009 as Gordon River Water High quality Park.

The property makes use of a sequence of synthetic wetlands and ponds to naturally take away contaminants earlier than the water enters close by Gordon River and Naples Bay.

This often-busy park encompasses a set of boardwalks and several other remark decks overlooking quite a lot of landscapes the place turtles, alligators, and waterbirds roam.

Filtration pond

Sources

Overview

Location: NaplesLength: 1.3 milesTrailhead: 26.174250, -81.786778Address: 1515 Golden Gate Pkwy, NaplesFees: FreeRestrooms: On the Schooling Heart constructing.Land supervisor: Collier CountyPhone: 239-252-4000

Open 8 AM to sundown. Schooling Heart open Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri, 9 AM – 3 PM. Leashed canine welcome.

Instructions

Hike

Beginning on the training heart, cross an open courtyard with benches and lined tables to an indication indicating the route of the Lake Trails.

Comply with the brick walkway to a strong boardwalk main by way of a swampy forest of cabbage palms, wild espresso, and large leather-based ferns.

Schooling heart courtyard

The boardwalk passes by way of a lined part with benches earlier than reaching a large, asphalt pathway.

In a couple of hundred ft, a facet spur branches off to the proper, resulting in the primary of many overlooks within the park.

Take a left at 0.2 miles, passing a picnic pavilion on a pathway resulting in the biggest of the filtration ponds.

Pond overlook

Flip proper to start a counterclockwise loop across the pond, following the paved path because it weaves by way of a group of native gumbo limbo, pigeonberry, and firebush.

Reaching a path junction at 0.6 miles, take a brief detour north to stroll out onto a bridge crossing the middle of the pond.

Alligators are sometimes noticed floating at nighttime waters beneath.

Shady pathway

Returning to the outer loop, head east for one more tenth of a mile, and hold straight on the second of two intersections to go to the Freedom Memorial.

A big flag-shaped monument stands on a marble define of america alongside ornamental fountains in remembrance of 9/11, veterans, and first responders.

Freedom Memorial

From this level, backtrack to the final junction of paths and take a proper to cross one of many filtration ponds on a protracted boardwalk flanked by cypress timber.

This zigzagging wood walkway spans ponds full of spatterdock and synthetic marshes lined in alligator flag and willows.

Cypress walkway

On the alternative finish, make a proper to observe the trail for a tenth of a mile again to the courtyard.

Flip left to stroll behind the training heart, passing a couple of interpretive panels about park earlier than reaching the wetland boardwalk.

Wetland boardwalk

Elevated excessive above an often-flooded forest, mangroves and pond apples develop alongside maples and stands of tall royal palms.

A trio of lined remark decks supply quiet spots to relaxation and look down on the tropical jungle beneath.

From the start of the boardwalk, it’s a half mile spherical journey, together with facet spurs to all three overlooks.

Coated remark deck

Path Map

Discover Extra!

The accessible Gordon River Greenway begins south of this park throughout Golden Gate Pkwy

Gordon River Greenway Get a brand new perspective on Naples alongside the Gordon River Greenway, the place you’ll be able to hike, bike, or paddle by way of the town’s city mangrove forest.

Video

Climbing Fred W Coyle Freedom Park

Close by Adventures

Official Web site

Alongside together with his spouse Chelsey, Chris Stevens shares out of doors adventures on Instagram and Fb as @sunshinestateseekers and is a co-host of a podcast about Florida’s outdoor, The Florida Madcaps. An avid hiker and camper, Chris serves as a Trailmaster and a board member for the Florida Path Affiliation.

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