CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trails

"Awesome trail. I did the full loop. I saw many types of birds, multiple snakes, and many alligators of all sizes. I would not recommend walking the loop unless you are very confident around wildlife and specifically within chomping distance of alligators. There were at least a dozen, maybe a few dozen, alligators on or directly next to the trail; it gets a bit scary. Some will be taking up the entire trail and there is no way to walk around without walking in the water. PLAN AHEAD WITH PLENTY OF TIME, WATER AND SNACKS. It would be very possible to get spooked and get stuck for a while. I did this alone but I would not recommend it. If you do this alone I would definitely let someone know when you start and when you plan on finishing/checking in."

"Nice boardwalk (for walking only) through part of a huge watershed. Information signs as you walk. Moderated busy, but you can still enjoy it. A wide variety of birds and of course alligators. Alligators are located by the parking, and we saw lots of them down the dirt trail from the parking lot. Those being very close to the trail. You can bike on the dirt trail and around the surrounding area."

"This place is a birder’s paradise. Even the road leading to the parking lot had a diversity of birds coexisting. Surprisingly, the further I was in the trail the less birds I saw. But it’s still a beautiful and peaceful walk. Highlights were seeing painted buntings and hearing a barred owl. Other than birds, I saw one gator and a raccoon. Perfect Florida winter activity. Planning on joining a guided hike in the future!"