CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails
Explore 2 miles of 'real Florida' wilderness trails, a haven for bald eagles, deer, otters, and bobcats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best wildlife & comfortable hiking
CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails
Best Time
Best wildlife & comfortable hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 2 miles of 'real Florida' wilderness trails, a haven for bald eagles, deer, otters, and bobcats.
"Enjoy the 'real Florida' wilderness with abundant wildlife and well-marked trails."
💧 Pack Water & Essentials
Crucial for hot Florida weather! Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and snacks.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be wet or have sugar sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Encounters
Throughout the trails
Spot deer, bobcats, otters, bald eagles, gators, and turtles in their natural habitat.
The 'Real Florida' Trails
Various marked paths
Experience untouched Florida wilderness with well-maintained, yet rustic, trails.
Canal Views
Along the northern canal
Enjoy serene views and abundant wildlife along the canal path heading north.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: Prepare for Real Florida
Timing is Key for Wildlife & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Pack Water & Essentials
Crucial for hot Florida weather! Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and snacks.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be wet or have sugar sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
🗺️ Follow Trail Markers
Trails are well-marked, but it's easy to get turned around. Stay on the path.
🐍 Be Wildlife Aware
You might see snakes, gators, and other creatures. Observe from a safe distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Pack Water & Essentials
Crucial for hot Florida weather! Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and snacks.
🥾 Wear Appropriate Footwear
Trails can be wet or have sugar sand. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
🗺️ Follow Trail Markers
Trails are well-marked, but it's easy to get turned around. Stay on the path.
🐍 Be Wildlife Aware
You might see snakes, gators, and other creatures. Observe from a safe distance.
🚽 Porta-Potty Only
The only restroom is a porta-potty. Plan accordingly if this is a concern.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails for its authentic 'real Florida' wilderness experience and abundant wildlife. The well-marked trails are appreciated, though the minimal amenities, including a single porta-potty, and potential for heat and bugs are noted drawbacks. It's a destination for those seeking an unmanicured nature escape.
"Beautiful quiet place. I went biking there and even the trails were flooded the ground under the water was hard making it easy to ride or walk. In the two days I rode I saw a couple of deers and some small snakes making a great experience."
diego antelo
"Well marked trails, amazing care has been taken to keep this area both wild and well maintained."
Jack Likert
"I enjoy the real Florida trails. Trails are clearly marked so u don’t get lost but there are no frills so you get to experience real Florida wilderness. (Although our boys are loud so wildlife encounters are minimal!) It’s hot and there are bugs so come prepared w water, sunscreen and bug repellent. And there is only a Porto potty for a bathroom, so if that makes u squeamish then there are less rustic trails in the area with better accommodations."
MIKA PAZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trails are located on the far eastern end of Bonita Beach Road. There's a large parking lot, making it easy to find.
Public transportation options are limited for this more remote natural area. Driving is the most practical way to access the trails.
The trails are clearly marked with different colored paths (e.g., red, orange, purple). Following these markers will help you explore the area effectively.
Access to the trails is generally free, as it's a preserved area for public enjoyment.
Yes, biking is a popular activity here. Even when trails are flooded, the ground underneath can be hard enough for riding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required for entry. The trails are open to the public for free exploration.
While specific hours aren't always posted, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
There is no entrance fee to access the CREW Flint Pen Strand Trails. It's a free public preserve.
Reservations or tours are not typically needed for general trail access. It's a self-guided experience.
The main restriction is to stay on marked trails and respect the natural environment. Be mindful of weather conditions, especially during rainy seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a great chance of spotting deer, bobcats, otters, bald eagles, gators, and various bird species.
The trails are generally well-maintained and marked, making them manageable for most. However, some areas can be wet or have sugar sand, requiring a bit more effort.
The primary amenity is a porta-potty. There are also benches along some trails for resting.
While generally safe, it's always recommended to hike with a buddy or let someone know your plans. Be aware of your surroundings and wildlife.
If trails are flooded, the ground underneath is often still firm, allowing for walking or biking. However, assess conditions carefully and be prepared for wet feet.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for wildlife along the canals and in the more open wetland areas. The 'real Florida' scenery itself offers great photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, often coinciding with increased wildlife activity.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. Commercial or professional shoots might need authorization.
You can capture images of birds, deer, gators, turtles, and other native Florida fauna in their natural environment.
The trails along the canal heading north are often cited as having excellent wildlife viewing and photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be prepared for the heat and potential bugs, so packing plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray is essential. The porta-potty is the only restroom, so manage expectations accordingly. Consider shorter loops for younger children and always supervise them closely, especially near water bodies where gators might be present.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
Be prepared for varying trail conditions, including potential flooding and sugar sand, which add to the authentic challenge. Visiting during the cooler, drier months will enhance the hiking experience and increase wildlife viewing opportunities.
📸 Photographers
Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon is highly recommended for the best light and increased chances of capturing active wildlife. The 'real Florida' scenery itself, with its lush vegetation and water features, provides a beautiful backdrop for any nature photographer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as sturdy hiking boots or shoes that can handle getting wet. The trails are clearly marked, which is a significant plus for visitors who want to explore without getting lost. This clarity ensures you can enjoy the wilderness experience without constant navigation worries.
For those seeking a more challenging or adventurous experience, exploring the eastern end of Bonita Beach Road and heading towards the Purple trail can lead to swampier, more remote areas, as suggested by one Reddit user.
Wildlife Encounters and Best Viewing Times
To maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, timing your visit is key. Early mornings and late afternoons are consistently recommended by visitors and align with peak activity times for many animals. During these cooler parts of the day, animals are more likely to be foraging or moving about.
While the trails are designed to be as natural as possible, it's important to maintain a safe distance from all wildlife. Observing them respectfully from the marked paths ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
Amenities and Visitor Preparedness
Given the natural setting and Florida's climate, visitors are strongly advised to come prepared. Essential items include plenty of water, as staying hydrated is crucial, especially during warmer months. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also highly recommended due to sun exposure and the presence of bugs.
Reviewers emphasize that this is a place to experience 'real Florida' wilderness with no frills.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit