The sun is still out and you can still kayak, but if you’d rather avoid a little salt spray and venture into the woods instead, Southwest Florida is still your destination of choice.

Some of my favorite spots:

Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW Marsh): Whether you head this way from Bonita or downtown Fort Myers, you end up at an inland place that feels far, far away. The five miles of trails loop, so you can wander for a half hour or spend a half day. The marsh, the cypress forest, the scrub – it’s all so intricately designed by Mother Nature. Watch for more than just birds. Tracks and scat add to the fun. Admission is free. Get details and directions at www.crewtrust.org.

National Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: This place rivals Northern California’s redwood forests. It’s the largest virgin stand of bald cypress in North America. It’s acres and acres of wild-side appeal. Even though the boardwalk is short, it’s still a hiking place in that you can move three feet and see three more species of something. Admission is $10. Get info at www.corkscrew.audubon.org.

Lee County Parks & Recreation’s Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: Nestled in the heart of bustling south Fort Myers, this green sliver is a haven for wildflowers, insects, reptiles, birds and mammals. It’s like one-stop wildlife shopping in a serene setting. The boardwalk stroll is fun to explore, as is the interpretive center, a certified green building. Free guided walks are at 9:30 a.m. daily. Admission to the trail and center are free; bring money for parking. Go to www.leeparks.org.

Want some more ideas for walking and hiking? Check out:
Caloosahatchee Regional Park
Calusa Land Trust’s St. Jude’s Trail
Estero River Scrub
Hickey’s Creek Mitigation Park
J.N. “Ding” Darling’s Indigo Trail
Lovers Key State Park
Matanzas Pass Preserve