The Paradise Coast Trail and Bonita Estero Rail Trail, commonly known as BERT, are planned as complementary trail systems that could connect near the Lee and Collier county line. If the necessary segments are completed and connected, they could become part of a continuous regional network for walking, biking and running across Southwest Florida.
The full connection does not exist today. Both projects include sections that remain in planning, acquisition, design or future construction.
What Are the Paradise Coast Trail and BERT?
Understanding the role of each project helps explain why their potential connection matters.
Paradise Coast Trail
The Paradise Coast Trail is Naples Pathways Coalition’s vision for a 100-plus-mile network of paved, separated pathways throughout Collier County.
The planned network is intended to serve people who walk, bike and run while connecting communities and destinations across the county.
The first seven-mile section opened along the Vanderbilt Beach Road Extension in July 2026. Most of the broader network remains in different stages of planning, design or future development.
Bonita Estero Rail Trail
The Bonita Estero Rail Trail is a proposed multiuse trail that would transform an inactive rail corridor through portions of Bonita Springs, Estero and northern Collier County.
The project is intended to provide a separated route for walking, running and bicycling while connecting communities and destinations in Lee County and northern Collier County.
BERT is not currently a completed trail that can be used from end to end. Land acquisition, planning, design, funding and construction must continue before the larger trail vision can be realized.
Where Could the Two Trails Connect?
Planning for the two trail systems envisions a connection near the Lee and Collier county line.
One important portion of the Paradise Coast Trail involves the northern Collier County corridor near Livingston Road and Veterans Memorial Boulevard. This area could help connect the Collier County pathway network with the southern portion of BERT.
A Project Development and Environment Study is underway for a potential trail alignment within an FPL easement adjacent to Livingston Road. The study is intended to help guide future decisions about alignment, environmental considerations and subsequent project phases.
The precise connection between the Paradise Coast Trail and BERT remains subject to planning, property acquisition, design, funding and government approval.
Why the Connection Matters
A local trail can provide meaningful recreational and transportation benefits. A connected regional network can serve more people and make a larger range of destinations accessible.
If completed and joined, the Paradise Coast Trail and BERT could help connect Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero through a broader active-transportation network.
The connection could provide:
- A more continuous route across county lines
- Additional safe places to walk and bike
- Longer recreational routes
- New running paths through Lee and Collier counties
- Connections among neighborhoods and community destinations
- More opportunities for short trips without a vehicle
- Access to a larger regional trail network
These are anticipated benefits based on the projects’ long-term vision. They should not be interpreted as features currently available along the entire planned system.
BERT Could Serve as a Northern Gateway
BERT could extend the reach of the Paradise Coast Trail beyond Collier County and into communities in Lee County.
That connection could help the Paradise Coast Trail:
- Reach a larger regional population
- Connect with additional community destinations
- Support travel between Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero
- Become part of a broader Southwest Florida pathway system
- Connect with other planned regional and statewide trail networks
BERT’s role as a northern gateway depends on completing the relevant trail segments and establishing a functional connection at the county line.
The Paradise Coast Trail Could Give BERT a Southern Connection
The relationship works in both directions.
A connection to the Paradise Coast Trail could give BERT access to a larger planned network extending throughout Collier County.
This could help BERT:
- Connect Lee County communities with Collier County destinations
- Become part of a longer regional trail experience
- Serve recreational users traveling across county lines
- Connect with additional walking and biking routes
- Contribute to a coordinated regional transportation vision
Without this connection, BERT could still provide local value. Connecting it to the Paradise Coast Trail, however, could expand its reach and usefulness.
Connecting to the Planned Florida Gulf Coast Trail
The Paradise Coast Trail and BERT are also envisioned as parts of a larger regional system known as the Florida Gulf Coast Trail.
Current Naples Pathways Coalition materials describe the Florida Gulf Coast Trail as a planned 420-mile network traveling through seven coastal counties from Collier Seminole State Park to areas north of Tampa.
The full Florida Gulf Coast Trail has not been completed. References to its length, route and connections describe a long-term regional vision rather than a continuous trail available today.
If the Paradise Coast Trail, BERT and other regional segments are completed, Southwest Florida could become part of a much longer walking and bicycling network.
How Connected Trails Can Support Safer Transportation
Many people who would like to walk or bike are uncomfortable traveling beside fast-moving vehicles.
Separated pathways can reduce exposure to vehicle traffic along portions of a route. When those pathways connect to one another, they become more practical for longer recreational trips and certain transportation needs.
A regional trail system could provide:
- More comfortable routes for families
- Additional options for recreational cyclists
- Longer routes for runners and endurance athletes
- Potential connections for commuters and students
- Alternatives to walking or biking beside high-speed roadways
Even separated trails may encounter roads, driveways and intersections. Safe crossings, clear signage and responsible behavior remain essential.
Potential Community and Economic Benefits
Connected trails can support more than recreation.
When thoughtfully planned, trail networks may encourage physical activity, improve access to outdoor spaces and create new ways for residents and visitors to experience a community.
Potential benefits may include:
Health and Quality of Life
More connected pathways can make walking, biking and running easier to incorporate into everyday life.
Local Business Activity
Trail users may visit nearby restaurants, bicycle shops, lodging properties and other businesses. The scale of any economic benefit depends on trail use, access, surrounding development and other local conditions.
Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
A longer regional trail could become an additional recreational resource for Southwest Florida residents and visitors.
Community Connections
Trails can provide shared spaces that connect neighborhoods, parks and other destinations. Exact connections will depend on final alignments and completed segments.
These benefits are possibilities, not guaranteed outcomes. Project-specific economic or public-health claims should be supported by applicable studies before publication.
Where the Projects Stand Today
The Paradise Coast Trail and BERT are progressing, but neither broader network is complete.
Current milestones include:
- The first seven-mile section of the Paradise Coast Trail opened in July 2026.
- Collier County has moved forward with acquiring a portion of the former rail corridor associated with BERT.
- Bonita Springs has pursued funding for acquisition and development of its portion of the proposed BERT corridor.
- Planning continues for regional SUN Trail alignments and connections in Collier County.
- A study is underway for a potential trail alignment adjacent to Livingston Road.
Milestones involving property acquisition or funding do not mean a trail segment is designed, constructed or open for public use. Each project phase requires separate planning and implementation.
Why Regional Coordination Is Essential
Pathways do not stop being useful at a county line. Residents travel among Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero for work, school, recreation and daily needs.
Creating a connected regional system requires coordination among:
- Collier County
- Lee County
- The City of Bonita Springs
- The Village of Estero
- Transportation planning organizations
- State agencies
- Property owners
- Trail organizations
- Community supporters
Naples Pathways Coalition advocates for the Collier County portions of this vision while supporting coordination that could connect local pathways with larger regional systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Paradise Coast Trail and BERT connected today?
No. The two projects are planned to connect near the Lee and Collier county line, but the necessary trail segments and final connection have not been completed.
What is the Bonita Estero Rail Trail?
BERT is a proposed multiuse rail-trail project involving an inactive railroad corridor through Bonita Springs, Estero and northern Collier County. It is intended for people walking, running and bicycling.
What is the Paradise Coast Trail?
The Paradise Coast Trail is a developing 100-plus-mile pathway network envisioned for walking, biking and running throughout Collier County. The first seven-mile section is open, but most of the larger planned system has not been completed.
Where would BERT connect with the Paradise Coast Trail?
The connection is planned near the Lee and Collier county line, involving the northern Paradise Coast Trail network near the Livingston Road and Veterans Memorial Boulevard area. The precise alignment remains subject to planning and approval.
Can people use BERT now?
BERT is not currently available as a completed, continuous public trail. Check official BERT and local-government resources for current acquisition, design and construction updates.
What is the Florida Gulf Coast Trail?
The Florida Gulf Coast Trail is a planned regional trail network intended to connect communities along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The full network is not currently complete.
How can residents support connected pathways?
Residents can follow project updates, participate in public meetings, share feedback with local leaders, join Naples Pathways Coalition, volunteer or donate to support trail advocacy.
In the News
An earlier version of this commentary by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director of Naples Pathways Coalition, appeared in Life in Naples on May 1, 2026. Read the original Life in Naples article.
Help Build a More Connected Southwest Florida
Connecting the Paradise Coast Trail and BERT could create a safer and more useful pathway network across Lee and Collier counties. Achieving that vision will require continued planning, funding, construction and regional cooperation.
Learn more about the Paradise Coast Trail, follow current project updates or support Naples Pathways Coalition by becoming a member, volunteering or making a donation.
