CALOOSAHATCHEE REGIONAL PARK |
|||
 |
|||
| Address | Contact Information | Other Information | |
| 18500 North River Road Alva, FL 33920 |
Kathy Ball (239) 694-0398 kball@leegov.com |
Programs |
|
| Directions | Staff | Events | |
| Google Map/Directions | Staff allocated to facility's budget | Events Calendar | |
| Hours | |||
Trail Update (9/5/10): Trails are in good condition with a few wet spots remaining. Trail Update (9/2/10): The north side of the park is OPEN for visitors. There are still some wet spots along the trails so use caution. The south side of the park is continuing to dry up as well. Expect a few mud puddles during your hike. Trail Update (8/31/10): The north side of the park is still wet in several areas. We hope to reopen it on Thursday (9/2/10) barring any other rain events. Check back here Thursday to find out the status of the north side of the park. The south side hiking trails have standing water in some areas but are starting to dry up. Trail Update (8/25/10): Due to excessive rain, the north side of the park is closed for ALL recreational uses. Please check back Tuesday (8/31/10) for an update on trail conditions. Many areas on the south side hiking trails are very wet and some sections are under water.
North side entrance (18250 North River Rd.): 7:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Parking: $1 per hour/$5 per day, year-round
NO SMOKING ON TRAILS! Keep in mind that the southside trails are available only for hiking.
Facility and Equipment Rentals |
|||
| Information | |||
This park features 768 acres of pine flatwoods, scrub oak, cypress swamps and oak hammocks. Crossing through them, you'll find over 20 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. The north side of the park is designated for mountain biking and horseback riding. The south side of the park has hiking trails, fishing pier, a floating dock and the primative campground.
Primative camping sites for families and groups are available, along with equestrian sites for people with horses. Kayaking and fishing are available along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Covered pavillions are available for group use or special events.
Park programs include guided walks, guided kayak trips, themed preschool and home school programs, woodburning and basketmaking classes, and astronomy programs. See the Events Calendar for dates, more information and how to register. Annual special events include the River, Roots and Ruts Trail Run in January and the XTERRA race later in the year.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! |
|||
| History | |||
Purchased by the State of Florida in the 1960's, Lee County entered into a lease on the site in 1989, with a management agreement to provide public recreational opportunities. Located along the Caloosahatchee River, it is an area rich in natural history. Calusa Indians are believed to be the first settlers here. Followed by Seminole and early settlers of what is now known as Alva.
Early studies have also found two archaeological sites within the park. The efforts of several community members from the Caloosa Saddle Club in 1985, were instrumental in convincing Lee County Commissioners to proceed with plans to develop a park. Along with other groups such as the Florida Mud Cutters Mountain Bike Club, volunteers were instrumental in the development of the trail system on the park's 400 acre Northside. Caloosahatchee Regional Park opened on March 6, 1999 and to this day, volunteers are instrumental in trail maintenance and campground management. |
|||
 |
|