Estero River Paddling Trail

arting as a curving blackwater stream through hardwood hammocks, the lush shoreline eventually gives way to mangrove swamps, coastal bays and islands. Yellow-crowned night herons, cormorants and anhingas are easily spotted; more rare are black-whiskered vireos and mangrove cuckoos. Two prominent historic sites are featured along the trail: the Koreshan community and Mound Key. The trail also circumnavigates the island of Lover's Key State Park. Due to its scenic and historic qualities, the Estero River is a designated Florida paddling trail.