Marco Island and the surrounding coastline are best known for such things as surf, sand and ocean sunsets. However, sometimes area residents prefer to spend a day enjoying the shade of beautifully towering oak or cypress trees, or perhaps an easy hike for breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fortunately, Picayune Strand State Forest is less than an hour’s drive from your Marco Island home, and it makes a fabulous day or weekend trip.
Recreation in Picayune Strand State Forest
The Sabal Palm Hiking Trail is a 3.2-mile trail affording hikers an opportunity to view majestic 100-year-old cypress trees and several species of native wildlife.
Patient birders are usually able to spy multiple species of woodpeckers, wood storks and several other species of seasonal avian visitors. Cyclists have miles of forest roads and trails to explore, as well.
Equestrians can enjoy the 22-mile Belle Meade Tract*, which includes 10 paddocks and a primitive equestrian camping area.
The best part is that your canine pals can come along for the trip (if they’re not already booked for a playdate at Marco Island’s best dog park). Your four-legged friend must stay on-leash during your visit, but the entire area is extremely dog-friendly – just remember to leave only footprints.
Hunting and Camping in the Most Beautiful Forest Near the Sea
Backpacking is a favorite weekend activity within Picayune Strand, and campsites are available throughout the forest. Seasonal hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area and is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
*It’s important to note that all horses in the forest must have current negative Coggins test results. For everyone’s health and safety, riders are required to carry proof of test results at all times.
Are You Moving to Marco Island?
If you’re looking for Marco Island homes for sale, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 239.821.7926 or get in touch with us online. In the meantime, check out our:
- Hideaway Beach homes for sale
- Cape Marco homes for sale
- Estate Area homes for sale
- Old Marco homes for sale
- River Area homes for sale
- Southend homes for sale
- Tigertail Beach homes for sale
- 0 Bedrooms
- 0 Sq Ft
- 0.450 Acres
992 ROYAL MARCO Way 0 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- 9,618 Sq Ft
- 0.300 Acres
866 SEA DUNE Lane MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 4 Bedrooms
- 8 Bathrooms
- 7,995 Sq Ft
- 0.250 Acres
866 HYACINTH Court MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 6 Bedrooms
- 8 Bathrooms
- 8,658 Sq Ft
- 0.500 Acres
800 W COPELAND Drive MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 5 Bedrooms
- 5 Bathrooms
- 8,553 Sq Ft
- 0.340 Acres
751 ROCKPORT Court MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- 10,309 Sq Ft
- 0.260 Acres
195 S BEACH Drive MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 5 Bedrooms
- 5 Bathrooms
- 7,099 Sq Ft
- 0.380 Acres
355 GUMBO LIMBO Lane MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 3,099 Sq Ft
2000 ROYAL MARCO Way 15 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 3,905 Sq Ft
5000 ROYAL MARCO Way PH-936 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 2,635 Sq Ft
1069 BALD EAGLE Drive 1002 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 1,346 Sq Ft
380 SEAVIEW Court 1807 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 3,043 Sq Ft
3000 ROYAL MARCO Way 321 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
- 0 Bedrooms
- 0 Sq Ft
- 0.340 Acres
395 WILD COFFEE Lane 0 MARCO ISLAND, Florida
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Listing courtesy of PREMIER SOTHEBY`S INTERNATIONAL REALTY