Red Loop

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is an excellent trail for running; however when traversing, runners will encounter "kissing gates" which allow people to pass but restrict cattle. These may slow a runner down.

This trail system is accessed through the CREW Marsh Trails to the north of the Caracara Prairie Preserve. Visitors can park at the Cypress Dome Trailhead, 3980 Corkscrew Road, Immokalee, FL 34142, located one mile north of the main gate to Caracara Prairie Preserve off Corkscrew Road.

The Red Trail runs through upland mixed hardwood and pine forests, skirting depressional wetlands. There is an active cattle lease on the property, and cattle often access the trails leaving surprises for runners - watch where you step! The cow "surprises" along the trail provide opportunities to see dung beetles in action. Dung beetles are currently the only known insect to navigate and orient themselves using the Milky Way!

Caracara Prairie Preserve is part of the CREW Wildlife Environmental Area where public hunting is permitted and regulated through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Pay attention to signs that will alert you to "hunting in progress."

Wildlife cameras along the trail routinely pick up panther, bear, deer, hog and more, though more often at night than during the day. Crested Caracara and sandhill cranes are routinely seen in pasture areas. Flora along the trail include poison ivy, so remember, "leaves of three - leave them be."