Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center - Punta Gorda, Florida

Darla D.

Nice hike today. Three lakes trail was closed. Didn’t check to see if the eagle point trail was open yet. We did the pine Flatwoods trail which came to about 1.6 miles from the parking lot and back. The trail was pretty muddy in spots but navigable. Trail was very well marked. Mostly flat and accessible but with some roots here and there. Lots of cute bridges. We saw a gator at the alligator pond and an armadillo on the trail.

We didn’t explore the buildings but there’s a visitor center and a butterfly house. We peeked through the screens at the butterflies and they were beautiful.

Hard to believe this place was free when we’ve paid to park at less developed parks.

P S.

We enjoyed it. It's free. They do take donations. Lovely trails. Saw a cute armadillo. An eagle and enjoyed a small butterfly conservatory. They have a nice visitor center and a few items to buy. Good for a cloudy day.

Lanie Y.

Very nice place. We loved the trails. Hiked two trails the eagle trails and Flatwood. Saw gopper tortoise and hubby saw an owl.

Tony A.

Can't say enough good things about CHEC. Great trails and always natural things to see. Most folks are volunteers and are always pleasant to talk with. One of My favorite places to be to be, hike, run, explore! All for free!

Tamara C.

Such an excellent place to hike and view wildlife. Many well maintained trails. An amazing alligator lookout and educational building. Clean bathrooms on site. Leashed dogs are welcome. An amazing butterfly garden to see and a native nursery. This place is the real Florida. Just bring bug spray and water and a camera for the amazing trails !

karen G.

Very cool place. I would recommend bringing bug spray as the mosquitoes and Nats can be bad out on the trails by the water. The trails are very well marked and the scenery is beautiful. There are bathrooms and a screened picnic area for you to us. This is an educational preserve so there is alot of information available about the plants trees and animals that live here. It's also an alligator preserve so be mindful of your surroundings and follow the signs. It's so peaceful and relaxing to just walk along the trails and take in the beauty mother nature has to offer. It does get hot so bring water for yourself and your dog. Oh and good walking shoes are definitely the way to go . Put this place on your list ...I don't think you will be disappointed.

***I wanted to add that you should also bring your camera and sunglasses. Just a little reminder from the great staff of this natural wonderland.

Brad L.

Very primitive and very cool. If you get easily creeped out by rustling in the bushes while you walk around, then this is not the place for you. Everyone else will love it. I only had time to do the Eagle Point (red) Trail and it took about 30 min. They were doing work on a bridge to Three Lakes and Pine Flatwood and I don’t think it was possible to get to those trail heads, but this should be a temporary issue that others won’t face. Other bridges and areas were roped off in spots due to hurricane damage, but nothing bad. I’ll be back to do those trails and two others as well. They key here is they have fantastic signage on the trails with informative signs and many white posts with QR codes explaining the trees and plants (though I didn’t have great cell service inside with T-Mobile). And they have a good map and info page you can carry with you. Overall, fantastic educational facility.

Wendy C.

Except for being super muddy due to lots of rain, what we did hike was nice. Waiting for dry season and heading back. Butterfly house was nice, volunteers were very informative. And found out there is an eaglett!! Met Charlotte