Hickey Creek - Things to Do
Enjoy fishing, paddling, hiking and wildlife viewing at Lee County’s largest regional park.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is good year-round and hikes along the area's trails explore gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay habitats. Oaks, palms and ferns line the steep banks of scenic Hickey Creek, home to alligators, otters, fish and the occasional manatee. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and offers good birding opportunities. See the Wildlife page for more information about the area’s wildlife.
Fishing
Fish from the pier on Hickey Creek, a meandering tributary of the Caloosahatchee River. You must possess the appropriate license and permit.
Hiking
There are three looped, “hiking only” primitive trails. The lush and shady Hickey Creek Trail, the most popular hike, follows the creek bank for 1.8 miles and features scenic overlooks and creek crossings. The longest trail is the 2.2-mile Palmetto Pines Trail. Portions of the trail are on a section of the raised railroad bed that brought logging trains through the property in the early 1900s and today offers views of the pine flatwoods. The North Marsh Trail is the area's most remote hike. This mile-long trail is subject to seasonal flooding in September and October.
Paddling
Hickey Creek, part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, and a state-designated paddling trail, is a popular paddling route, particularly in the cooler months. The narrow creek is bordered by steep banks with a canopy of oaks and palms. Canoes and kayaks can be launched near the parking area. Paddlers can use the area's cart to move their boats between the creek and the parking lot.