Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Nice boardwalk path through the mangroves. I went on a cool morning in April. Most of the walk was shaded by the mangrove trees. It was a fairly long walk with benches along the path if you need to rest. The board walk leads to two piers that reach out over the Caloosahatchee River. Nice walk.

I recently visited the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral, and it was an unforgettable experience. The peaceful boardwalk trail winds through lush mangroves, providing a perfect opportunity to connect with nature. During my visit, I was lucky enough to spot a baby alligator sunbathing in the water — a memorable wildlife encounter! I also caught a glimpse of a majestic bald eagle soaring overhead, which was a real highlight. One moment that stood out to me personally was visiting the Iraq War Memorial at the preserve. As a veteran who proudly served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, this memorial struck a deep chord with me. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and I found it incredibly meaningful to reflect on those memories in such a peaceful setting. The sunset from the pier was absolutely breathtaking, casting warm hues over the water and creating a serene end to the day. I also took some time to visit the Iwo Jima Memorial and the Veterans Memorial, which added a meaningful touch to the visit, honoring those who served. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into nature with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, and a lot of mangrove views on the boardwalk, I highly recommend checking out this hidden gem in Cape Coral. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is a fantastic spot to relax, reflect, and enjoy Southwest Florida’s natural beauty.

Such a beautiful place to disconnect and enjoy nature. The boardwalk through the mangroves was peaceful, and I saw several beautiful birds. Everything is well maintained and admission is free. At the end, there’s a scenic lookout over the water with truly spectacular views. A perfect spot for a quiet walk. I’ll definitely be back

This was a relaxing short walk around the boardwalk. We went early in the morning and saw a few locals (wildlife). You can also go fishing at one of their piers. It's also a memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Freedom is NOT free!

What a beautiful place to visit. Very well preserved. Would recommend to bring bug spray. The walk is not strenuous but it is long so a good pair of walking shoes is also recommended. The bathrooms were clean and private.

Loved it. The memorials were amazing and I took some Time to soak those in…. We met a cHarming man who walks those trails daily and spoke with him a bit …. (Dave)…. He shared some great stories of his family. We walked the trails to both piers (lovely views) …. It was a great way to spend a sunny day. Saw some lizards and a white bird … very nice opportunity for some relaxation!

A fun walk, not a ton of wildlife but the weather was rough so it might’ve just been our luck. Nonetheless, it was a lovely walk and the trail was well maintained.

Nice quiet space to walk- there was a lot of mosquitoes there. We were so happy to see a dolphin swimming around. There is also a lot of herbs/medicinal plants there as well.

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is located on the right as soon as you cross the Midpoint Memorial Bridge that connects Fort Myers to Cape Coral. The 365 acre preserve is the second largest open green space in Cape Coral. It was created by the State of Florida when the city of Cape Coral was being developed. The preserve has a 1.2 mile boardwalk that starts off as coastal prairie, a rare habitat in this area that that is a great area for birding. You might encounter eagles, ibis, herons, wading and migratory birds, raccoons and snakes. The closest I came to wildlife was spotting some raccoon footprints on the boardwalk. As I walked along the boardwalk the brackish water of the red and black mangroves let out to the overlook over the Caloosahatchee River. In the distance you can see Thomas Edison's estate, one of the first settlements in the area. Heading back, the boardwalk ends letting you out on a shell path lined by sand live oak, gumbo limbo, and ficus trees before you return to the parking lot. Four Mile Cove also has a small visitors center with map and restrooms. On the south side of the parking lot is a Veterans memorial area with monuments dedicated to the branches of the armed forces. On weekends from November through May there is a kayak rental kiosk. There is also two fishing piers for anglers to try their luck in the Caloosahatchee River. I enjoyed my peaceful walk on the boardwalk. As I walked I pondered how glad I was that the state has the foresight to protect this ecologically significant area. At Four Mile Cove you can enjoy the real Florida like it was when Edison first arrived.

A lovely park near the west side of the Midpoint bridge The Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, at 365 acres, is the second-largest preserved green space in Cape Coral. It is located just north of Veteran's Parkway. It does not have access directly off the Veterans Memorial Parkway. You can get to it by driving to Del Prado and then backtracking to the Memorials. There seems to be a fair amount of parking along the entrance road. The Four Mile Cove / "Eco Park" is a brackish water wetland area with a walking trail, visitor center, and Veterans Memorial Area. On the south side of the parking lot is the Veterans Memorial Area, which includes several memorials designed to recognize and honor those who have served our country through the U.S. armed services. Visitors can walk through the preserve on a nice boardwalk. The trails lead to a fishing pier and another place onto the river. Their website states, " This is a nature preserve; therefore, dogs are prohibited on the trails, jogging, skateboarding, biking, skating, or rollerblading. The walking trails and access to the Veterans Memorial Area are available year-round." Overall, it is a very nice place to enjoy the local greenery along a pleasant covered boardwalk trail through the wetlands.

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is a Cape Coral Park located at the North Side of Midpoint Bridge. The local called this Eco Preserve with about 365 acres of land along the Caloosahatchee River. You can walk through the trail through the mangroves. The loop is about 1.2 miles long mostly on boardwalk except for Southern portion on sands/gravels/dirt road. So, it can get muddy on this Southern or finish stretch during the raining season! A small Visitor Center is situated by the trail entrance. It needed an upgrade to provide more information and detail about the park! Unfortunately, some of informational signposts are missing. Kayak rental is available on weekend. No pets, food, jogging, skateboarding, biking, skating and rollerblading are allowed. It is a good walk to cool off and get some exercise. Or you can relax and sit on one of the Pier's chairs to look at Fort Myers Downtown skyscrapers! Next to Eco Preserve and sharing the same road is the Veterans Memorial Park. This is the non-preserve part of Eco Preserve. As you drive over the Midpoint Bridge from Fort Myers, you can spot the replica of Iwo Jima Monument. Memorial to Merchant Marine, Navy, Coast Guard as well memorial to Afghanistan, Iraq, Gulf War, Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II with all branches of services and groups. This is a wildlife preserve, you may see or encounter some alligators, otters, manatees, snakes, birds or insects. Please don't walk the trail alone!

In pervious visits to the area we had checked out the Veterans Park that is adjacent to the Eco park. There are many nice memorials as part of that park including the downsized Iwo Jima replica. On this visit we decided to walk the trails. First out to the pier on a crushed stone path and then a return to the parking lot via part of the boardwalk. We were amazed that the boardwalk was in excellent shape considering the massive damage to many of the trees along it from Hurricane Ian. It's apparent that much work was done to cut trees from the paths. I think we walked a bit less than 1.5 miles. Nice views of the water from here. If we had more time we would have done more exploring and perhaps rented some kayaks in the other part of the park. There are restrooms near the parking lot.

Located near the Midpoint Bridge (a bit of a pain to get to from the west, though), this park has a great walk through the mangroves along the Caloosahatchee River. It is the second largest preserve in Cape Coral, spanning 365 acres. The 1.2 mile loop is partly on the boardwalk and it's lovely. A very nice, easy and flat walk. I will warn you to never hike alone. There are critters here. Always bring a friend! And even though the Yelp hamsters insist on merging them, there are actually two parks here. The ecological preserve and the veterans' memorial park. Veterans Memorial Park is the non-preserve part of the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. You've probably spotted it as you entered Cape Coral after crossing over on the Midpoint Bridge It's hard to miss the shiny black walls and the replica of the Iwo Jima monument. A memorial to the US Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard seamen during World War II was added recently. A four-foot-diameter bronze propeller from a Coast Guard vessel mounted on a stainless steel stand, a flagpole and a black granite stone piece with information and visuals on both sides. The memorial informs that a combined 8,649 of these members died in the sinking of 731 cargo ships during operations that supplied our forces and allies overseas from 1941 through 1945. The park also includes an Iwo Jima Monument -- a one-third-scale replica of the original Marine Corps War Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia -- memorials and flags to the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, Gulf War, Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II; a Gold Star Mothers Memorial; and commemorations for Disabled American Veterans, American POWs, U.S. Jewish War Veterans, all branches of service and other military groups. [Review 15828 overall - 1406 in Florida - 1332 of 2021.]

Looking for a place to take a walk, we found this little preserve just over the Cape Coral Midpoint Bridge. It also serves as a War Memorial Park. The trail is about 2 miles long. Almost all of it is a boardwalk - and in good shape. Unfortunately, most of the 24 informational signposts are missing. It's not a strenuous walk at all. Don't follow the "map" which shows the trail doing a figure-8. It does not - but don't worry, you won't get lost. As a side note, at the entrance to the Preserve, going off to the left is a Kayak rental facility. Only open on the weekends (November-May), this looks like a great way to also get some exercise "around" the Preserve.

What a peaceful place to visit. We had a great hike on the boardwalk and received a very special treat when by chance we came across a school of Manatees playing in the shallow waters. We observed them for quite a long time and it was the best memory for our trip this time.

Great walk for families. Went with 4 adults and a 7& 5 year old. Went in late May. Saw a baby shark, crabs, lizards, snakes and more! Shaded which was good to escape from the sun! Mangroves are beautiful! Worth the visit!!!!!!

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is located at the East end of SW 23 Terrace. It's immediately North of Veteran's Memorial Parkway. Parking is free. The park is open from 8 AM to dusk all year. There is a 1.25 Mile nature trail, Veterans Memorial area, picnic area and restrooms. Adjacent to the parking lot, the memorial area (including the Iwo Jima monument) is designed to recognize and honor those who have served our country in the US armed services. You may have observed this memorial area while crossing the Mid-Point Bridge. Kayak access to this large (365 acre) preserve is available. However, the kayak trail has a portage, so this wouldn't work for beginners or those with mobility issues. Kayak rentals are available on-site seasonally (on weekends from November thru May). Like most preserves, this is a place ideal for quiet contemplation and an un-hurried pace. The shaded boardwalk gives an opportunity to see a variety of birds, otters, raccoon, etc. and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of day to day life. Dogs are not permitted on the trails. Jogging, skateboarding, biking, skating and rollerblading are also prohibited.

Tucked right up against the Midpoint Memorial Bridge and The Veterans Memorial for over 50 years, this 365 acre pristine sanctuary provides a walking gateway for kayakers to launch an expedition into the puzzle of brackish waterways that snake through the forest of mangroves and for anglers to cast a line off a generous platform along the Caloosahatchee River. Follow the boardwalk into a coastal prairie where you'll find several benches along the way to make birdwatching a cinch. After popping out along the alkali marsh, the boardwalk continues down another shaded corridor of saltbush, tall giant leather ferns and needlerush. There's an overlook on the narrow upper end of Four Mile Cove, feeding a constant flow of tidewater beneath the thick tangle of viridian mangrove tunnels, where if you peer carefully into the overhead limbs you'll catch a glimpse of roosting birds. A landing pier opens to the Caloosahatchee River, fringed by cattails and ficus trees, where you can reel in your fresh catch of the day. Complete your adventure on the shell lined path ahead to explore the Habitat Restoration and Visitors Center. Oh...and one more thing. This is a nature wildlife preserve...you WILL encounter alligators, otters, manatees, venomous snakes, biting insects and lots & lots of creepy, crawly spiders.

Attached to a very moving Veterans Memorial- this park is peaceful and full of integrated facts about Florida's wild native plants & eco system...a must explore with family..no pets allowed...great spot for Bird Photography & regardless of the summer heat, cooling along the Mangrove Eco Walk as you are covered by the trees

Definitely a neat place and easy walk for us! I am 31 weeks pregnant and it was a nice walking area for me. Out only complain was there wasn't as much to see as well as a lot of missing wildlife signs. We did see a few critters. Beautiful place though!

We love going here to walk to the trails. It's a beautiful preserve with a wooden walkway winding through the mangroves. There are several directions to take and two of them allow you to reach Caloosahatchee River and relax a bit on the docks. There's also a little building with maps of the trails, nature information and a bit of history of the area. It's a great place to get some exercise and relax!

I love this park - especially the boardwalk trails. It's generally well kept and peaceful.

The park looked good from what we could see. However, the website said we could bring our dog. We get there and several signs say no pets allowed.

Beautiful walk along the mangroves and final destination is the water from a pier! The board walk makes for a nice hike - no hills and perfect for strollers. The Veteran's park is beautiful and a great stop to honor our vets and learn a bit about history! Perfect for all ages! A nice 1-2 hour activity on a cooler day!