![]() One of our hikers made it across on the higher of the logs in good order. A few narrow logs had been set in different places across the waterway very precariously – I think by hikers, not trail maintainers – in order to get across and not get wet feet. There obviously was some major erosion after a flooding event since we had hiked it last year and the water was steadily flowing from one side of the trail to the other side. Nine miles in, between marker # 6 and #3, in the home stretch, we came to a wide, fairly deep water crossing that has never been like that in the past when we have been here. The trail was almost completely dry, and I understand there has not been much rain in quite some time. This past week, Monday, January 9th, my husband and I and two of our hiking friends from back home in PA once again hiked the 12 mile loop and had a wonderful outing. We’ve seen otters, water moccasins, banded water snakes, turtles, lots of butterflies, many different species of wading birds and songbirds, white-tailed deer and more. We are always thrilled with the nature sightings at the Bird Rookery and usually count the gators – 161, 191, and 181 being our past counts and our all time record was 232 gators of every size along the 12 mile loop. ![]() ![]() We are experienced hikers, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, as well as many other hikes around the U.S. We have been hiking the entire 12 mile loop a couple of times a winter for the past 2 or 3 years, since we discovered it. If you choose to hike the “loop” of CREW Bird Rookery Swamp trail, you will add 7.5 miles to your distance.ĬREW Bird Rookery Swamp is our all time favorite Florida hike. The Purple trail hike is 3.1 miles to CREW Bird Rookery Swamp and 3.1 miles back. Trail distances are calculated from the Main parking lot. The trails are narrow and winding with some sand and roots/rocks. Hunting is not allowed on the hiking trails nor outside of designated hunting seasons. Seasonal hunting takes place north of CREW Flint Pen Strand trail systems away from the public hiking trails. The 2023-2024 hunt season begins in the fall. The Purple trail is the first to rehydrate and last to dry down with the wet and dry seasons. ![]() The Purple trail connecting to CREW Bird Rookery Swamp has dry sugar sand, but will flood again soon. Trails are open to everyone during hunting season, however, if you prefer a trail without hunting, try the CREW Marsh Trails around the corner on Corkscrew Rd. This trail will rehydrate the quickest, so get out there before it floods (if you prefer dry trails)! The trails are dry! The wild coffee trail, or white trail, has a few downed trees and narrow path. Summer flowers are abundant! CREW Cypress Dome Trails: The red loop will be the first to rehydrate as the rains become consistent. Trails are dry with an occasional and avoidable puddle. Don’t forget to help us document these changes using the “Chronolog” photo monitoring stations along the trails! Fret not, as you’ll be able to witness the marsh bounce back in the next few weeks. Machinery will be present on or near the trails. Please do not attempt to force them to move when you pass.Īnother installment of marsh restoration has began just beyond the marsh overlook tower. The Purple trail is currently dry, but is the first to rehydrate and last to dry down with the wet and dry seasons.īe aware that alligators will warm themselves on the trail. The Purple trail distance is 3.1 miles to the main parking lot at CREW Flint Pen Strand starting from the intersection above point E. The Purple trail connects CREW Bird Rookery Swamp trail to the CREW Flint Pen Strand trails. The entire 12-mile trail is clearly marked with letters to help you gauge your distances. Enjoy the summer flowers such as scarlet hibiscus and last bit of dry trails before the rain rehydrates the swamp. Culvert replacement projects are complete! The entire 12-mile loop has been freshly mowed.
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