The best walks and hikes around Pelican Bay
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Hiking around Pelican Bay offers a network of coastal paths, boardwalks, and greenway trails. The region is characterized by its flat terrain, with routes running alongside the Gordon River, through parks, and along sandy beaches. These trails provide opportunities to experience the local coastal environment and protected natural areas of Naples, Florida.
Best hiking trails around Pelican Bay
- The most popular hiking route is Gordon River Greenway — Naples, a 5.0 miles (8.1 km) trail that takes about 2 hours to complete. This moderate route follows a paved path along the Gordon River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Clam Pass Beach via Clam Pass Boardwalk — Naples, an easy 2.1 miles (3.4 km) path. The route primarily follows a boardwalk through a mangrove habitat to the beach.
- Local hikers also love the Lowdermilk Park Beach loop — Naples, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through a popular city park and along the beach, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Pelican Bay is defined by boardwalks through mangrove forests, paved greenways, and sandy beach walks. The trail network offers mostly easy and accessible options suitable for all ability levels.
- The routes in Pelican Bay are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from a number of reviews. More than 250 hikers have used komoot to explore Pelican Bay's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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The North Berm and North Boardwalk Trail offers a delightful immersion into Southwest Florida's distinct ecosystems, guiding you through native mangroves and pine trees. You'll find yourself on a mix of gentle berm paths and elevated boardwalks, with the latter providing fantastic opportunities to observe local wildlife. Keep an eye out for various avian species like herons and ospreys, and perhaps even alligators, turtles, or otters, especially along the boardwalk sections leading towards Vanderbilt Beach.
Planning your outing to this easy trail is simple; it's accessible year-round, and you won't typically encounter any fees or permit requirements. The 2.3-mile (3.7 km) route has a minimal 9 feet (3 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 56 minutes, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone seeking a quick, peaceful escape into nature. It's a great option for a spontaneous walk without much fuss.
This trail stands out for its unique blend of terrain and the rich biodiversity it showcases, offering a tranquil way to connect with the natural environment of Collier County. It's a perfect beginner hiking trail, providing a taste of Florida's wild side without demanding strenuous effort. The North Berm and North Boardwalk Trail is a testament to the beauty of the region's coastal ecosystems, making it a worthwhile stop for nature enthusiasts.
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The Clam Pass Boardwalk offers a delightful journey through a vibrant mangrove ecosystem, leading to a stunning Gulf Coast beach. This easy 2.1-mile (3.4 km) hike, with only 5 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 51 minutes to complete. As you stroll along the well-maintained boardwalk, you'll be surrounded by salt-tolerant red, white, and black mangroves, often forming a natural, shaded tunnel. The path eventually opens up to the expansive white sands and clear, turquoise waters of Clam Pass Beach Park, providing a truly picturesque reward for your efforts.
Planning your visit to Clam Pass Boardwalk is straightforward, with options for everyone. If you're not up for the full walk, a complimentary tram service runs regularly along the boardwalk, making it accessible for all. At the beach, you'll find essential amenities like restrooms and a concession stand, plus opportunities to rent beach equipment for a full day of relaxation. Consider visiting during the cooler months, from December to April, when guided nature walks are available to enhance your understanding of this unique coastal habitat.
What makes the Clam Pass Boardwalk truly special is its rich biodiversity and the unique
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Pelican Bay
Tips from the Community
This boardwalk runs for about 3/4 of a mile through a mangrove forest, leading to the beautiful Clam Pass Beach.
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Take off your shoes and run along this fine sand 🤩
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Vanderbilt Beach is a popular destination, offering expansive beachfront space and stunning white sand views. The beach has amenities like restrooms, foot showers, toll booth attendants, parking garage availability, solar beach parking meters (credit cards only), bike racks, a life jacket loaner program, and beach wheelchairs. Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, it is a great spot for people, but the beach does not allow dogs.
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Clam Pass Beach Park is an extraordinary beach park that feels unique from the other beaches in the area. To get to the beach, you cross a boardwalk that meanders through lush mangroves, which offers some shade from the hot Florida sun in this distinctive ecosystem. There is also a tram every 15 minutes between the parking area and the beach. Once you arrive at Clam Pass beach there are fun coves to explore; the beach's calm waters offer ideal setting for shelling, kayaking, wading, and even fishing at the north end where an inlet flows from the lagoon into the Gulf.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the hiking trails around Pelican Bay suitable for families with children?
Yes, the area is very family-friendly. Most of the 29 trails are rated as easy, featuring flat terrain and well-maintained paths. A great option is the Clam Pass Beach via Clam Pass Boardwalk — Naples, which is a short, easy walk on a boardwalk through a mangrove forest to the beach.
Can I bring my dog on the trails in Pelican Bay?
Many parks and greenways in the Naples area have specific rules regarding dogs. While some trails may allow leashed dogs, others, particularly those in sensitive nature preserves or on beaches, might not. It's essential to check the local regulations for the specific trail you plan to visit before you go.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The trails around Pelican Bay offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The coastal and wetland habitats attract a variety of bird species, including wading birds and shorebirds. On trails like the Gordon River Greenway, you might also spot turtles, fish, and occasionally even alligators in the water. The mangrove forests are also a key habitat for many species.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, there are several loop trails. For a shorter walk, the Freedom Park loop — Naples is a pleasant option. If you're looking for something that combines a park and beach environment, the Lowdermilk Park Beach loop — Naples is a popular choice.
What is the terrain like on the hikes around Pelican Bay?
The region is characterized by its very flat terrain with minimal elevation gain. You can expect to walk on a mix of paved paths, wooden boardwalks that wind through mangrove forests, and sandy trails along the beaches. This makes most routes accessible and not physically demanding.
How many hiking trails are there in the Pelican Bay area?
There are nearly 30 designated hiking routes to explore around Pelican Bay. The network includes a mix of easy coastal walks, moderate greenway paths, and short park loops, offering plenty of options for different preferences.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Pelican Bay?
The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained boardwalks, the beautiful coastal scenery, and the abundant opportunities for birdwatching along the routes.
How difficult are the hikes in this region?
The vast majority of hikes are rated as easy. The flat landscape means you won't encounter any significant climbs. A few longer routes, such as the 5-mile Gordon River Greenway — Naples, are considered moderate simply due to their length, not because of technical difficulty.
Where can I find a good long-distance walk?
For a longer outing, the Lowdermilk Park and Beach loop from Lowdermilk Park is a great choice. At over 5.5 miles, this moderate route combines a pleasant park atmosphere with an extended walk along the beach, offering beautiful Gulf views.
What is the best time of year to hike around Pelican Bay?
The best time to hike in the Naples area is during the cooler, drier months from November to April. The weather is more pleasant, with lower humidity and fewer insects. Summer can be very hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning.
Is parking available at the trailheads?
Most of the popular trailheads, especially those located in city or county parks like Clam Pass Park and Lowdermilk Park, have designated parking areas. Some may require a fee or a local parking permit, so it's a good idea to check the specific park's regulations before you arrive.
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