Gordon River Greenway

If you're like me then you probably spend a fair amount of time chasing the setting sun around. I visited Naples Florida this past spring and was treated to these stunning sunsets 8 out of the 10 days there. The Gulf gives us east coasters the delight of watching the sun dip out over a large body of water which is quite a treat.There are a lot of great beach spots in Naples to take in the golde...

Go to the Koreshan State Park. The fee is $5 per car + $4 to access the boat ramp. (If you don't have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes from the park or from Estero River Tackle & Canoe Outfitters). Go to the boat ramp. Here you have two options:A. You can go left (west) towards Estero BayB. You you can go right, (east), up riverI recommend option B.  Why? The river widens as you hea...

To reach Panther Key, kayaking and navigation of the tides and mangrove islands is a necessity. The Everglades National Park ranger station in Everglades City is the closest put-in point for kayaks, and from there its a 12 mile paddle to Panther Key.This is a great adventure on which to visit multiple keys to stop and camp on, to make the paddling distance each day more manageable. Tiger Key wi...

From Tamiami Trail, 5.2 miles west of Highway 29, turn left on the unmarked road. You will be able to leave you car here and launch. Follow the posted map closely as the mangrove tunnels are confusing, and you will probably get lost a few times anyways.There is a series of 5 mangrove tunnels, with each one getting larger and more amazing as you go. It's 5.6 miles to Daniel's Point, and then a s...

The Wilderness Waterway in the Everglades National Park can be navigated either by kayak or canoe. This is an endurance voyage that typically takes upwards of 10 days if you are solo-canoeing. The voyage can take significantly less time if using a kayak or a multi-person powered canoe. This route is not recommended for novice canoes given both the length of the journey but also the absolute nee...

First, you'll arrive at the Collier County Rest Area (26.1674944,-81.0806947) off of the Everglades Parkway. You can either park in front of the rest area, or on the paved area directly north of it near the trailhead. Walk through the pedestrian gate and make your way toward the Florida National Scenic Trail kiosk. Please sign in (and out on your way back with any pertinent information about wh...