Estero Bay Preserve has two trail systems with a combined length of around 12 miles. The Estero River Scrub system has more than 8 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking that run through flatwoods, salt flats and mangroves. In many places, the trails provide scenic views of the Estero River. The Winkler Point system has more than 4 miles of trails with observation platforms to see waterfowl, wading birds, gopher tortoises, wrens and woodpeckers. Neither trail system has restrooms or other facilities. Hikers should bring their own water, insect repellent and snacks.
In addition to hiking, Estero Bay offers opportunities for many other types of recreation, including boating, canoeing and kayaking. Since the park has no launch facilities, visitors must launch their craft at neighboring Koreshan State Historic Site or Lovers Key State Park. Estero Bay also has bike trails, and fishing is allowed in designated areas. Leashed pets are permitted in certain areas of the park.
Estero Bay Preserve was established to buffer the bay from encroaching development, and the primary focus in managing the preserve today is to protect the bay's unique community of plants and wildlife. In addition to development, non-native plant species are a constant threat to the preserve. High priorities are the control and removal of Brazilian pepper, Australian pine and melaleuca trees. Endangered wildlife species found in Estero Bay include the bald eagle. The number of these birds is increasing in the park, with an average of five chicks reaching maturity each year.
Two other state parks within 15 miles of Estero Bay Preserve have hiking trails. Koreshan State Historic Site, adjacent to Estero Bay -- although its entrance is 13 miles southeast of the Estero Bay Preserve entrance -- has a hiking trail along the river and a running trail through a pine flatwoods habitat. Lovers Key, 14 miles south of Estero in Fort Myers Beach, has 8 miles of trails, including the 2.5-mile Black Island Trail, which runs through a maritime hammock.
