Trails of Transformation

A new vision for Southwest Florida is emerging - one where residents and visitors can bike, walk, or jog along a safe, scenic route stretching from downtown Naples to Fort Myers. The Bonita Estero Rail Trail (BERT) and the Paradise Coast Trail (PCT) are two ambitious projects poised to that promise to redefine mobility, safety, and economic vitality across Collier and Lee counties. Once complete, the BERT trail will connect to John Yarbrough Linear Park creating a continuous route from Fort Myers to Naples. “When we connect Fort Myers and Naples, a lot of possibilities arise,” said Deborah Orton, president of the Friends of BERT.

Together, the BERT and PCT will span more than 80 miles, linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial hubs through an accessible, scenic corridor. 

Transforming Communities

The economic, safety, environmental, and health benefits of these trails are hard to ignore. The BERT trail alone is expected to generate between $9 and $14 million annually through tourism, recreation, and increased property values. Local businesses in Bonita Springs and Estero are already anticipating increased foot traffic and revitalization. “The Legacy Trail in Sarasota County spans 21 miles,” said Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director of Naples Pathways Coalition. “They projected 255,000 users, but there are well over 670,000 per year now, which generates an enormous amount of revenue.” 

Communities like Winter Garden have shown how trails can help towns thrive again - especially when other industries have faltered. “It gives Southwest Florida an alternative to the beach,” added Orton. “And it brings both residents and visitors to our communities.”

Safety, however, remains one of the most urgent motivations. Florida continues to rank among the most dangerous states for pedestrians and cyclists. “That’s probably what got Michelle and I into this,” Orton said. “We were both cyclists who’ve had too many close calls. Michelle’s actually been hit.” 

“I don’t even bike anymore because of the lack of safe places to ride,” said Orton. BERT and PCT aim to change that by providing protected, well-designed corridors for commuting, recreation, and school routes. “A lot of injuries and fatalities won’t occur because people can actually get to a safe area,” she added.

The trails also offer critical access for communities where alternative transportation options are needed most. “In Bonita Springs and in San Carlos Park, so many people commute by bicycle,” said Orton. “This is a real opportunity for environmental justice—giving these folks a safe, beautiful way to get to work and back again.”

From Rails to Trails: A Vision in Motion

BERT will convert a 14.9-mile segment of the former Seminole Gulf Railway corridor into a paved, tree-lined trail stretching from just south of the Collier County line through Bonita Springs and Estero to San Carlos Park. The route runs through wooded areas, streams, and preserved lands - 95% of the corridor is currently forested. “Today, BERT is considered a wildlife corridor,” said Orton. “So, it will not only bring people closer to nature but actually promote wildlife.”

A key milestone came in February 2024 when the Trust for Public Land reached a purchase agreement with Seminole Gulf Railway to acquire the corridor for BERT. With a March 2026 deadline to complete the purchase, advocates are racing to secure funding - estimated at $70.4 million for Phase 1 of the corridor - through a mix of public and private sources. The cities of Estero and Bonita Springs have already pledged $5 million each.

Orton emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to move things forward. “We have three opportunities for grants at the state level. If the locals put in money, the state is more likely to match those dollars,” she explained. “Donors and businesses that really want to see this happen can help with donations, advocacy, and influence at the state level. There’s a lot the private sector can be doing - and we welcome those conversations.”

Meanwhile, the Paradise Coast Trail is progressing steadily. A feasibility study was completed in 2022, and the route has since been integrated into county and state plans. When complete, the PCT will stretch over 70 miles, linking Naples, Golden Gate, Ave Maria, Immokalee, and connecting with BERT near Wiggins Pass.

A Pathway from Naples to Fort Myers

When fully realized, the two trails will provide uninterrupted access from Naples to Fort Myers. Along the way, users will pass through destinations such as the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, Koreshan State Park, downtown Bonita Springs, and eventually connect with the John Yarbrough Trail. Eleven schools are located within one mile of the BERT corridor, and more are served by the PCT - making safe routes to school a vital benefit.

“You're basically going through quite a few miles with very few roads,” said Avola-Brown. “It’s quite beautiful. And when you connect Old Town, Bermuda, Estero, Fort Myers, and Naples, you create something transformative for our region. Something we can be proud of.”

Looking Ahead

If funding comes through, much of the Paradise Coast Trail could be completed by 2030. But for many residents, that feels too far away. “We encourage people to contact county commissioners saying, ‘We want this now. We don’t want to wait until 2030,’” said Avola-Brown. “There’s plenty of money out there.” 

While Southwest Florida has historically received less attention for trail investment than northern regions of the state, that may be changing. “As we complete the number one and number two trail priorities elsewhere in Florida, more attention and money will start flowing down to us,” Orton said. “We’re next.”

And for residents across Collier and Lee counties, that attention can’t come soon enough. As Orton puts it: “This trail isn’t just about walking or biking. It’s about transforming how we live, move, and connect.”

Get Involved

To support the development of these transformative trails, visit naplespathways.org and bonitaesterorailtrail.com. Whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering, your involvement can help bring safe, scenic, and sustainable trails to life in Southwest Florida. Every voice and contribution moves the vision forward.