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Prairie Pines Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 549 Google reviews · Running trail in North Fort Myers, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 11 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Prairie Pines Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Secluded nature preserve featuring scenic trails for challenging hikes, biking & wildlife viewing.
What runners say about Prairie Pines Preserve
“There are clean bathrooms on site and plenty of parking spots.”
“Beautiful little trail loop, great for walking dogs, accessible (ramp Bridge over prairie and lots of benches along the trail).”
“The path is wide enough to pass others and there is enough shade to stay cooler and there is a wildlife viewing shelter.”
“Long loop is not for everyone, almost 15 miles long (nice shortcut trails allow you to shorten the distance as needed), trails are clearly marked and in great shape.”
This is a beautiful place. You can bring your dog , bicycles or even your horses yes horses. There are different length trails for everyone's needs . It is peaceful and well maintained. Be careful to stay on the marked trails and be mindful of your surroundings .
First time hiking this preserve on such a beautiful February morning. Took about 45 minutes to get here from Lehigh and met my mom for a morning hike. We ventured from the parking lot and took a right off on the yellow trail for the 1.
Great nature trail. Look for the trail with grass or moss. It is so quiet once you get past the zone where you hear 41 traffic. There are shady areas, and sunny areas. Lots of bird song. There is also a short walk with crushed shells (which crunch noisily with every step), and a boardwalk.
Went on the horse trail first and about ten minutes in came across a big rattle snake that actually coiled up and rattled at me! Scary, turned around and did the boardwalk trail instead. Nice little loop and dogs are allowed.
Trail conditions & character
“5 mile path that you can walk your dog, just be aware of wildlife and of course pickup after your dog does its business, bags are provided at the entry area for the dog path.”
“We ventured from the parking lot and took a right off on the yellow trail for the 1.”
“8 mile trek to the bridge and continued on to the silver trail for a short hike to the red trail and did a small loop back around to the yellow trail and back to the parking lot.”
“The loop is small enough to walk around a few times and there are bathrooms and water fountains.”
“8 mile trek to the bridge and continued on to the silver trail for a short hike to the red trail and did a small loop back around to the yellow trail and back to the parking lot.”
“Beautiful little trail loop, great for walking dogs, accessible (ramp Bridge over prairie and lots of benches along the trail).”
“There is also a short walk with crushed shells (which crunch noisily with every step), and a boardwalk.”
“The path is wide enough to pass others and there is enough shade to stay cooler and there is a wildlife viewing shelter.”
“The loop is small enough to walk around a few times and there are bathrooms and water fountains.”
“Beautiful little trail loop, great for walking dogs, accessible (ramp Bridge over prairie and lots of benches along the trail).”
“trails were fairly well marked, but there are some turns that were confusing.”
Plan your run at Prairie Pines Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance11 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteconservation2020.org
- Phone+1 239-707-0862
- Social Facebook
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