SCCF’s public preserves offer more than 8 miles of trails throughout Sanibel Island. Some trails connect with others that are managed by the City of Sanibel and the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, bringing the total amount of connected trails to over 12 miles. Several trails are accessible off the island’s shared-use path and are for bikes, foot traffic, and allow dogs. Others venture into sensitive habitat and are limited to foot traffic only to protect our wildlife.
We invite you to explore and experience the amazing diversity of Sanibel’s interior habitats that make it one of the most unique barrier islands in the world.
One-way Distance
1.25 miles
Access
Walking, biking, pets
Seasonal flooding: uncommon on Shipley Trail; common on Pond Apple Trail
The Shipley Trail runs alongside SCCF's Native Landscapes & Garden Center, and then crosses the beautiful Starr D. Thomas Memorial Boardwalk—where it becomes the City of Sanibel’s Pond Apple Trail. From there, the trail winds around a series of retention ponds, offering great opportunities for birdwatching, and continues on through interior forest until finally reaching the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
One-way Distance
1/8 mile
Access
Walking, biking, pets
Can be paired with a walk through the Jordan Marsh Water Quality Treatment Park
Seasonal flooding: uncommon
This 27-acre preserve which straddles both sides of Casa Ybel Road was named in honor of a beloved islander known for his kind and generous nature. The main trail is a short and easy walk that provides great views of the adjacent Jordan Marsh Water Quality Treatment Park, designed to improve water quality through the use of native vegetation and hydrological engineering. Spend some time looking for wildlife from within the shade of the gazebo; alligators and wading birds abound in this beautifully restored, marsh habitat.
One-way Distance
1/2 mile
Access
Walking only, no bikes or pets
Seasonal flooding: uncommon
This smaller preserve is excellent to stop and visit as you bike up and down the Shared Use Bike Path running along Periwinkle Way.
One-way Distance
1 mile
Access
Walking, biking, pets
Can be connected with the J.N. “Ding” Darling Bailey Tract and SCCF Sanibel Gardens Trail.
Seasonal flooding: occasionally on southernmost trail
Frannie’s Preserve Trail is an extension of the City of Sanibel’s Community Park Trail, which when combined offer nearly two miles of scenic walking through a variety of plant communities, including Florida Slash Pine restoration site, three man-made ponds that offer great views of turtles and birds, and dense stands of Buttonwood trees.
Trailhead
One-way Distance
1 mile
Access
Walking, biking, pets
Can be connected with the J.N. “Ding” Darling Bailey Tract on the south side of Island Inn Road
Seasonal flooding: uncommon
What was originally slated to be a massive subdivision, collaborative efforts turned these 265 acres into a preserve instead. Enjoy this success story by walking an out-and-back loop of hard-packed sand trails as they wind through marsh, forest, and along a beautiful section of the Sanibel Slough. These are ideal landscapes for viewing foraging hawks, as well as waterfowl.
PARTIALLY OPEN (RESTORATION DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE STILL UNDERWAY)
One-way Distance
½ mile currently open
Access
Walking only, no bikes or pets
Seasonal flooding: common in some areas, but drier trail options are available year-round
The open loop of the William and Ruth Brooks Nature Trail begins at a trailhead in the parking lot to the right of SCCF's headquarters. The trail passes through areas historically part of the freshwater wetland ecosystem that is recovering from a series of hurricanes and storm surges over the last few years. It also meanders along a small portion of the Sanibel Slough. It offers opportunities to observe wildlife in the trees, grasses, and water, so be sure to bring a camera and keep your eyes open for butterflies, turtles and tortoises, mammals, and of course, a variety of bird species.
Loop
1/4 mile
Access
Walking, pets
Seasonal flooding: occasional
The Birmingham Family Trail is located on SCCF's Puschel Preserve on Periwinkle Way, which completes approximately 385 acres of open space and a wildlife corridor of almost 1.5 linear miles between Tarpon Bay Road and Casa Ybel Road.
The Puschel Preserve includes a Welcome Station with solar chargers, a water fountain, bike repair station, and seats, Lee Anne Tauck Sculpture Garden, Parish Pollinator Garden, and an experimental wetland salt marsh. The Birmingham Family Trail winds around the front acreage, tying together these accessible features.