When the Caloosahatchee River was dredged in the 1950s, the spoils were pumped and stockpiled on the northern bank of the river. Little did they know they were setting the groundwork for a future recreational treasure!

 

In the 1960s, the State of Florida bought the land and turned it into the Caloosahatchee Regional Park, which is now managed by Lee County. In the northern part of this park is 400 acres of hard-packed clay, with elevations changes of 10 to 25 feet along the borders of the property. It didn't take long for a group of mountain bikers to recognize the obvious: with some work, this overlooked patch of land could be transformed into incredible mountain biking terrain.

 

In 1999 Lee County granted a small group of passionate mountain bikers permission to start building off road cycling trails. This group would eventually call themselves the Florida Mudcutters. They worked tirelessly until they completed the original 5 miles of trails by hand! Over the years, this grew into 11.8 miles of single-track mountain biking trails that meet the needs of beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders.

 

Today the Florida Mudcutters have strengthened their relationship with Lee County Parks and Recreation to provide Southwest Florida with an inclusive, fun, and progressive mountain bike destination for all types of mountain biking styles and skill sets. From toddlers on balance bikes, to cross country fanatics, to advanced freeriders, and everything in between, Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers a off road cycling experience that is progressive, beautiful, and free for all to use.

 

The Florida Mudcutters have made connections with several other land managers throughout the Southwest Florida region and are currently within the conceptual phases of multiple bike parks. Your contributions support these ongoing efforts to provide more trails and recreational spaces close to home!