Charlotte Harbor is the second largest bay in Florida. The largest bay in Florida is Tampa Bay.
Charlotte Harbor Preserve - The park provides unspoiled scenery and habitat for many varieties of wildlife. The Charlotte Harbor Estuary has five aquatic preserves which have been established in the waters adjacent to the park. Mangrove forests and marshes make up the majority of the park and public access points are located in each area of the park. For Charlotte Harbor information call (941) 575-5861
The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) 10941 Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda. CHEC offers environmental education programs, guided hikes, and several miles of marked trails. Phone 941-575-5435 for information.
The Little Pine Island High Marsh Trail is on the north side of Pine Island Road between Matlacha and Pine Island. This trail is about 2 miles long.
Catfish Creek Trail is located on east side of CR 771 about 1 miles north of Placida.
Open from 8 a.m. - sundown 365 days a year.
Directions: Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda - approx. 3 miles south of US 41/Tamiami Trail. Other access points to the park are available in Cape Coral, Cape Haze, El Jobean, Little Pine Island and Rotonda.