"Hikers, history buffs, and birders will enjoy this veteran author’s directions and thoughtful observations. Molloy's difficulty ratings and habitat descriptions make this an excellent read for those wanting to explore the Caloosahatchee, Sanibel, and the many trails in this unique ecosystem."--Susan Young, coauthor of 25 Kayak & Canoe Trips in East-Central Florida

"From Corkscrew Swamp to Collier-Seminole State Park, Molloy does a thorough job. The hikes are clearly laid out with practical information, GPS coordinates, historical facts, and even whether leashed dogs are permitted. Ideal for both experienced and novice day hikers."--Doug Alderson, author of Encounters with Florida’s Endangered Wildlife


Whether you're looking for a shady jaunt in a tropical hardwood forest, an exhilarating trek across palmetto prairies, or a detour down forgotten roads into years past, Day Hiking Southwest Florida is your guide to the perfect outdoor adventure.
Johnny Molloy, outdoorsman extraordinaire, shares forty of his favorite "frontcountry" hikes through city, county, and state parks and their surrounding wildlands. Destinations include Caracara Prairie Preserve, home to several endangered species including the Florida black bear and crested caracara; Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a subtropical island oasis for migratory birds; and Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, site of a World War II airfield training base. With a variety of trail lengths and difficulty levels, this guidebook offers many possibilities for all outdoor explorers, from the tourist to the longtime Florida hiker seeking new scenery.
Best of all, the concise format provides everything necessary to get started. For each hike Molloy provides a detailed map, driving directions with GPS coordinates, photographs, and notes about trail junctions, stream crossings, trailside features, and more. Day Hiking Southwest Florida opens up the natural world for you to explore in this vibrant slice of the Sunshine State.

Johnny Molloy is the author of more than fifty outdoor guide books, including The Hiking Trails of Florida's National Forests, Parks, and Preserves; Hiking the Florida Trail; Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida; and From the Swamp to the Keys.

Sample Chapter(s):

Table of Contents and Excerpt

This guide works well for novices, but will allow even the more experienced hikers to find something to their liking… if you want to take your walk to the next level or just miss the chance to hike in your new semi-tropical home, pick up a copy of Molloy’s latest and explore your own backyard.
--The News-Press

Day Hiking Southwest Florida includes some of the best hikes to see the natural beauty in and around Naples with a renewed sense of wonder.
--Naples Illustrated

[Molloy] is a popular author who has perfected his art of enticing people into the outdoors with his practical and easy-to-use guidebooks.
--American Reference Books Annual 2015