New leg of Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail opens

LEE COUNTY, FL – The ribbon has just been cut to open the third leg of one of southwest Florida’s most acclaimed nature-based attractions, the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail – nearly doubling the size to 190 miles.  This latest phase will introduce paddlers to the Caloosahatchee River’s creeks and meandering waters.
          The Blueway has been a boon to Lee County tourism since its inception five years ago. The Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area has been recognized as one of the best kayaking destinations in North America by both Paddler and Canoe & Kayak magazines. The trail itself has garnered National Recreation Trail designation and is part of the evolving Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
          The original 100-mile trail wanders from Bonita Springs north through Estero Bay and Pine Island Sound to Charlotte County. The new leg up the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries adds 90 miles to the trail, extending it from San Carlos Bay to the Hendry County line.  As with the Estero Bay portion (Phase 1) and the Pine Island Sound section (Phase 2),  put-in sites are designated along the trail, as are other amenities such as campsites, restaurants, marinas and cultural and historic sites of the Calusa Indians, for whom the trail is named. The new Caloosahatchee leg (Phase 3) now offers a lush, green, Old-Florida dimension to the Blueway, complete with moss-draped oaks along shores dotted with expansive preserve land.
           On the trail, novice to experienced paddlers can get up close with outstanding flora and fauna while exploring back bays, aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers, and mangrove forests. Many of the trails follow the course charted some 2,000 years ago by the area’s earliest residents, the Calusa Indians. 
           History buffs explore archaeological dig sites and ceremonial shell mounds found on Mound Key, an island inhabited by the tribe from about 100 – 1750 A.D.  Another notable stop for paddlers interested in the past is the Koreshan State Historic Site.  This unique utopia features remnants of a religious sect established in 1894.  Nature-lovers enjoy the plentiful wildlife, such as common to rare birds, Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, and a host of other marine life.
           According to Betsy Clayton, waterways coordinator for Lee County Parks and Recreation, “Kayaking the Blueway is great for combining wildlife viewing, adventure, and recreation into your vacation.  It’s wonderful exercise with little impact and you can get to places where motorized boats cannot go.”
           The trail is also user friendly with well marked signage and Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates.  In addition, detailed maps are available to aid in navigation.  “One of the most complimented aspects of the Blueway is how it is designed with a variety of stopping points with a variety of dining and overnight lodging options,” Clayton emphasized.
           With some of the best year-round kayak waters in the eastern U.S., both kayaking and kayak fishing have grown in popularity with visitors to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel.  Outfitters offer guided trips (including starlight and full-moon excursions) or boat rentals are available for those who prefer to paddle on their own.
           From outings lasting a few hours to week-long adventures, the educational and entertaining Great Calusa Blueway delivers a variety of experiences.  For information on the trail, log onto www.GreatCalusaBlueway.com .  For information on planning a vacation to the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com .

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 The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida includes: Sanibel & Captiva islands, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres.