Wilderness Swamp Trail

[lborne]

Last time we camped the swamp trail was closed as there were so many trees down after the 2004 hurricanes. We did not get much farther than the little house with the swing out front (what's that called) where you can look out onto the bay.

Anyway, does anyone know if they have cleared the trails and if they are open again? What was that little house for? Looked like they used to have events there at one time.

Thanks

[proudmomof4]

Not sure if you are talking about the same trail, but we took one that started right behind the Settlement Trading Post. It lead up to a bridge, which we crossed and there was a little cabin, the trail did continue for a little bit after the little cabin but then was closed due the trees and boardwalk being down.

[ftwildernessguy]

Actually, the swamp trail was closed quite a bit before the hurricane in 2004. The boardwalk had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe, and Disney elected not to repair it.

[ftwildernessguy]

Here is a picture from 2001:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/47720Swamp_Trail_1.jpg

[campingcorgi]

The little cabin used to be available for rent in a regular loop--though I can't recall which one. I'd heard that it was used for staff training after it was moved to the current location, but that's just what I've heard.

[ftwildernessguy]

There was a time when the cabin was used in conjunction with some children's programs during the summer months.

[lborne]

Yes, from what items I could see inside the cabin and evidence around the outside, I would have guessed it was used for childrens programs.

I do remember the boardwalk being broken and signs saying it was closed, but thought that was all due to the hurricanes.

It was still nice just on the swin at the cabin porch. I'm curious how the fireworks would look from there.

[proudmomof4]

Here is a picture from 2001:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/photopost/data/500/47720Swamp_Trail_1.jpg

That looks really nice, I wish they would have maintained it, I have been going to FW since the early 80's but I don't remember ever seeing the swamp trail until this past year when we finally decided to have time to just explore FW.

[We4mickey]

When we where down in April of this year, me and the boys took a hike on the trail.It is in bad shape.you can still walk it,but lots of trees down.we made it all the way around. Just be careful.

[campingcorgi]

The sunset is really lovely from that location, too! We have a great shot that we blew up into poster size prints--the sunset on the water with Cindy's castle, the contemporary, and space mountain in the background. We always get shocked looks from people when they hear it isn't a souvenir poster. It even has a little alligator in the water--trust me, I didn't see him when I was taking that shot or I'd have been out of there like a shot!! A friend pointed him out to me when she saw the poster!:rotfl:

[John VN]

When we where down in April of this year, me and the boys took a hike on the trail.It is in bad shape.you can still walk it,but lots of trees down.we made it all the way around. Just be careful.

The trail is closed for a reason and that reason is that it is not safe no matter how careful one might be.

Please don't attempt to walk the trail, in my opinion, it is not worth the risk.

This comes from someone who had walked the trail when it was in its prime and maneuvered over it in its very dilapidated condition.