Surrounded by Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, Alligator Creek Preserve offers a multitude of educational opportunities and access to a trail network spanning several miles.
The shortest of the trails is Eagle Point, a one mile loop that showcases the preserve’s namesake creek.
Alligator CreekThe interconnected Three Lake, Pine Flatwoods, and Chet Lewis Trails venture across a mosaic of distinct ecosystems, with picnic tables at several scenic locations along the way.
A connector path known as the Hidden Hammock Trail ties the loops together with the Old Datsun Trail to the south.
One of the best ways to experience different natural landscapes within the preserve is a 2.9 mile route combining portions of all four trails, as described in the narrative below.
Nature centerResources
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Overview
Location: Punta Gorda
Length: 2.9 mile loop
Trailhead: 26.874028, -82.026833
Address: 10941 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda
Fees: Free
Restrooms: At the environmental center
Land manager: Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center / Florida State Parks
Phone: 941-575-5435
Trails open sunrise to sunset. Leashed dogs permitted but be aware of alligators on the preserve. Gates open Mon-Fri 8-4, Saturday 9-3. When the gates are closed, walk in from the trailhead along the entrance road.
The environmental center gift shop and restrooms are open 10-3 Mon-Fri from mid Oct-Apr.
While Alligator Creek Preserve is on land managed by Florida State Parks, primary responsibility for the environmental center and trails is with the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.
Founded in 1987, this nonprofit organization is always looking for members and volunteers.
Directions
From Interstate 75 exit 161, head west on CR 768 for 1.3 miles, which becomes CR 765 (Burnt Store Rd) just before crossing US 41. Continue another 1.2 miles to the park entrance on the right. It may be necessary to park outside the gate and walk in.
Hike
Before embarking on the hike, head over to a large three paneled kiosk where a wealth of information about current trail conditions, maps, and upcoming programs is on display.
From the kiosk, walk southward along the entrance road, passing a screened butterfly sanctuary before reaching the beginning of the Chet Lewis Trail.
Information kioskPurple trail markers indicate the route as it winds through a cabbage palm and oak hammock along a pathway of packed dirt with occasional muddy spots.
At a junction with the Pine Flatwoods Trail in 0.3 mile, cross the murky waters of an old canal before turning left to remain on the Chet Lewis Trail.
Chet Lewis TrailTall pines appear above the horizon while approaching the next intersection at 0.7 mile.
From this point, the Hidden Hammock Trail continues southward to the Old Datsun Trail loop.
Follow purple markers westward as the path enters an open pine savanna.
A scattering of slash pines forms an open canopy above a sea of saw palmettos, galberry, and lyonia, while colorful wildflowers border grassy edges of the trail.
Pine flatwoodsStay to the left at the next two junctions with the Pine Flatwoods Trail, as tall palms begin to mix with the pines.
A picnic table sits at each intersection alongside clear signage for each route.
Yellow markers indicate the Three Lakes Trail as the path descends slightly towards a slough, using short bridges and boardwalks to cross wet areas and canals.
Picnic table at a trail junctionAt 1.4 miles, a boardwalk named Sherman’s Landing juts out onto the edge of a mangrove-lined lake.
Benches built into the structure provide a spot to rest alongside the tranquil waters, and interpretive signage describes the unique nature of these isolated brackish ponds.
Lake view on Three Lakes TrailThe trail curves northward, traversing a junglelike coastal hammock on a series of lengthy boardwalks before entering a palm hammock and reaching the next trail junction at 1.9 miles.
Follow a series of signs indicating the exit along a wide trail leading towards the visitor center.
Mangrove boardwalkAs the pathway passes behind the visitor center, a dock stretches out over a pond where gators are often sunning on the shorelines.
Viewfinders mounted on the dock allow visitors to get an up close look at wildlife attracted to the open water.
Sometimes a viewfinder isn’t neededHeading past the pond, a wooden walkway leads to a small, enclosed building on the right side of the trail.
Stepping inside the structure reveals an impressive bird blind with a one way mirror set up in front of nearby bird feeders.
Inside the bird blindRed trail markers lead northward along the Eagle Point Trail, where signs describe several natural features along the route.
At the midpoint along the loop, a bridge crosses Alligator Creek before turning eastward and passing alongside a salt marsh filled with black needlerush.
Reaching an intersection with an access road at 2.8 miles, turn left and continue for another tenth of a mile, finishing the hike at the parking area.
Land Before Time interpretive signTrail Map
Explore More!
Learn more about Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park Stretched long and thin to follow the convoluted shoreline of Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park protects more than 100 miles of coastline along the Gulf Coast.Video
Hiking Alligator Creek Preserve
Nearby Adventures
Old Datsun Trail Where pine flatwoods and palm hammocks regain a foothold atop formerly farmed fields, the Old Datsun Trail loops what was once an agricultural school
Ponce De Leon Park A city park with dramatic sunsets over a beach on Charlotte Harbor, Ponce De Leon Park is a delight for birders and paddlers, too.
Punta Gorda Harborwalk Spanning 2.3 miles along Charlotte Harbor, the Harborwalk is a recreational gem in downtown Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda Linear Park A greenway through the heart of historic Punta Gorda, Linear Park provides an unexpected corridor of nature.
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