Punta Gorda Nature Park — Attraction in Punta Gorda

We went here a few years ago and it was absolutely beautiful. This time was a different experience. The plants are still pretty that are located near the parking areas. However not only are most of the trails flooded and not pretty, the area is unsafe.. especially if you have a dog or child. Not only did we encounter many flooded areas with very smelly water, we encountered rusty nails, bridges with gaps big enough for a small dogs feet to fall through (look like poor repairs), bridges that can cause someone to trip, part of the trail borders scattered all over the place, tree limbs hanging down about to fall on trail, and more! I think hurricane Ian over a year ago probably hit it hard. However the clean up on the trails has been very slow. I think they should close the trails until they can make them safer. The gardens by the parking lots are beautiful and well kept as well as the picnic areas. Also be aware there are no bathrooms. I took many pics. It's sad to see this once beautiful place in this shape. The one star is because there were poinsettia plants and berries scattered around a dog friendly park, there were rusty nails on the trail, and my dog almost hurt herself badly on the bridge with the gaps. So they one store was for safety reasons. Also the flood waters made mosquitoes HORRIBLE even at 4pm. I will change my review when safety things...

This park is beautiful and had a decent trail. We had both our dogs, which enjoyed the nice walk. For the most part it was pleasant. Until we notice an older man, upper 60's, that kept following us, it seemed. At first we didn't think nothing of it until it was very noticeable that he was following us. We came back to where we started and had parked our vehicle. Used the provided water hose to give our pups more water before we left and all of a sudden there was that man again. We watched him walk pass our car and head for the sidewalk by the road and by the time we got loaded up in the car the man had came up behind the car, taking a picture with his cellphone of our license tag. I don't know what this was about but we will definitely not be going back to this place. Not when you're followed by an unknown man when you didn't do anything to warrant...

Enjoyable little park! Short trail, but long enough to take your mind off of things if you have a break in your day. Trail is level (except for a couple small wooden bridges) but mostly bumpy rocky fossil shell fill so not suitable for anyone who has trouble with non-paved surfaces. The park is marshy and the trail is flanked by short palms and other foliage but the trail is a bit raised so I saw no flooded areas. However I haven’t walked through during the rainy season yet.

Two small parking areas, with the one in the NW corner having some tables and benches on cement walks, and a cute butterfly/topiary garden. Has at least one bicycle rack. Even if you’re not walking the trail the NW corner is a very pleasant place to sit and eat your lunch or read. This relaxing area is wheel chair accessible, though parts of the...