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Partial excerpt from
"Caloosahatchee Regional Park"
(maps and photos not shown here)

Location: Park is 3 miles west of Alva; 15 miles east of Ft. Myers
Managing Agency: Lee County Parks and Recreation Department
Trail Length: Appx. 5 mile loop
Difficulty: 25% beginner; 75% intermediate
Trail Type: 100% singletrack
Description: Trails at Caloosahatchee have taken shape rapidly since the first edition of this guide rolled off the printing press. Trail construction and maintenance have been conducted regularly since July 1997 by volunteers and more recently by one of the state's newest off-road bicycling clubs, the locally based Florida Mud-Cutters (see contacts below). At the time of writing, grand opening of the park was set for November 1998 (event actually held early in '99). Club members voted on names to use for each trail section: Psycho Path, Sunburn Meadow, Fern Hog Run, Calcutta Ridge, Wrots-o-Ruts, and Light Bulb. These especially creative and descriptive names are posted along the trail.

The trail begins in a thick section of brush containing a variety of native plants and wildflowers: palmetto (with roots or "gator-backs" to negotiate), ubiquitous cane grass, and beauty-berry bushes with distinguishing violet berries in season.

The trail soon leaves its bright and brushy beginnings and dives into adjacent shaded woods that border most of the park. Within this shady perimeter section lies a long and straight 10-15 foot high spoils ridge. The singletrack makes great use of both shade and ridge. The ridge is characterized by several short, steep climbs and descents, and a few slightly off-camber sections where the trail parallels the base of the ridge. . . .

(Note: several more paragraphs follow in the guide's description)

Wildlife: Feral hog, armadillo, opossum, and many other animals can be found. Florida Mud-Cutters, jokingly, report sightings of the mysterious and ever-elusive swamp ape. During my first visit, an exotic plant removal program was underway in the mid-section of the park. Brazilian pepper was bulldozed and burned. It its place native trees have been planted. The few palmetto and cabbage palm trees that were not smothered by Brazilian Pepper overgrowth were spared the dozer.
Et Cetera: Bring plenty of food and water (several bottles and/ or a hydration system). Map is recommended as is a first-aid kit. Also bring spare tube, pump, any vital tools, and insect repellent. Pavillion with picnic tables at gate 1. Picnic tables at two other trailside locations. Restroom facilities on south side of park, Jiffy Johns at gate 1. Equestrian and hiking trails also. Biking is prohibited on each. No fee for use.
When to go: Best seasons are fall, winter and spring. These months are cooler and much drier.
Contacts: Lee County Parks and Recreation and Florida Mud-Cutters. . . . (additional contact information listed in the Guide: phone numbers, addresses, websites, emails, and more).
Directions: (see Guide for directions). . . .

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