![Babcock Ranch Preserve provides a glimpse into real "old Florida" with trails, tours and a museum](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/large_lightbox/hash/cc/07/cc07f4d3acdd75306122e936679367eb.jpg "Babcock Ranch Preserve provides a glimpse into real "old Florida" with trails, tours and a museum")
With urban sprawl crawling across much of our state there are few places that exude an impression of old-time, unspoiled wilderness like Babcock Ranch Preserve. Located 20 miles north of Ft. Myers off SR 31, the ranch spans both Charlotte and Lee Counties encompassing 73,000 acres. It is managed by Florida Division of Forestry, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Babcock Ranch Management, LLC.
Several options exist for individuals wishing to explore the preserve. A 90-minute swamp buggy tour rambles along old logging roads as a guide interprets local flora and fauna. The tour is very popular and reservations are required. Also at the buggy depot are a Florida history museum, a live snake exhibit, Country Store, picnic facilities and the Gator Shack which provides hot BBQ meals.
For those more on the spontaneous side, several miles of hiking trails meander through the various habitats of the preserve. From the swamp buggy depot explorers can find the trail head for Ecotour Trail, which is 1.8 miles in length. Click here for trail map. Traversing high elevation old ranch lands, the trail’s sandy soil supports saw palmetto, slash pines and even some sundews, one of south Florida’s few carnivorous plants. The trail is relatively well marked and rather wide open, with few areas of shade.
The Footprints Trail is accessed off County Road 74, six miles north of the preserve entrance. A covered trail head to the right of the forestry tower offers a brochure/map, which comes in handy since this trail is not well marked. It skirts some old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, and traverses wetland prairie and even cypress swamp. Cloven hoof prints in the mud, the buzzing of nearby insects, and chattering songbirds are the only clues of other visitors. Exploration of this trail provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, however, the lower elevation and wetland character of this trail makes it more enjoyable during dry winter months. Click here for trail map.
General rules for visiting the preserve include:
- Trails are open from sunrise to sunset
- Firearms are prohibited
- Pets must be on leash at all times
- Take back your trash
- Bring your own water
For more information, visit www.babcockwilderness.com, for reservations call 800-500-5583.
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