The Old Swamp Trail

[ftwildernessguy]

Having some fun going through my old FW photos and thought I would share.

 

[wildernessfamily]

Thanks for the memory, does anyone remember the old marshmallow roast? Didn't they used to do a hike and marshmallow roast a long time ago?? or am I remembering something else?

 

[gemstone1952]

The swamp trail was a "must do" for my family for years. We are sorry it is no longer available. Thanks for the pictures, it brought back great memories. I remember hearing the canoes for marshmallow marsh paddling by the sites in the evenings on their way to watch fireworks, I think.

 

[DisneyFunFan]

Thanks so much for the pictures. I think I only went on this trail once during my many visits to Fort Wilderness as a kid. When I saw mention of it I assumed it was the one inside of River Country and required paid admission.

When I was there in May 2004 I went past the barricades and walked the boardwalk areas. Some sections were pretty much inpassable but I managed to crawl under and through the trees that had fallen over the trail. This was before the hurricanes that summer though so I imagine that it would now be a lost cause to try to get through.

I just think about all the neat things that have been removed from Fort Wilderness over the years...

 

[DURANFAN2]

Yeah, you use to go on the canoes, then there was a small dock by the bridge near the 300 loop where you walked down to the marsh mellow pit area.
Years ago when there was only MK, then EPCOT to go to we use always go down and walk the path at FW.
I have a feeling that area probably is in bad shape after the hurricanes. They were letting it 'go' to begin with.

 

[TuckandStuiesMom]

I MISS walking this trail -- it was a great FW "downtime extra" with my kids. So quiet, so peaceful -- We'd have the best conversations on those walks...
I wish they'd renovate it for future visitors. ...Definitely one of the things that made FW great.
Any of you WDW/FW big-wigs reading this thread ????

 

[ftwildernessguy]

The swamp trail was the one thing my son would talk about for months before our FW trips. He was so disappointed when they closed it down.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for the memory, does anyone remember the old marshmallow roast? Didn't they used to do a hike and marshmallow roast a long time ago?? or am I remembering something else?

Our family did the Marshmallow Marsh canoe trip back in the 80's!

Bobbi

 

[lajones81]

Thanks for the great pictures!

 

[dsneygirl]

Thanks so much for the pictures. I think I only went on this trail once during my many visits to Fort Wilderness as a kid. When I saw mention of it I assumed it was the one inside of River Country and required paid admission.

When I was there in May 2004 I went past the barricades and walked the boardwalk areas. Some sections were pretty much inpassable but I managed to crawl under and through the trees that had fallen over the trail. This was before the hurricanes that summer though so I imagine that it would now be a lost cause to try to get through.

I just think about all the neat things that have been removed from Fort Wilderness over the years...

I was just going to send DH over to this thread because he fondly remembers the trail but he's already been here

 

[MickeyMacks]

Nice pics. Wow, looks like it was a real glimpse into the "real backwoods Florida" - too bad it's no longer available! We were at ASMu earlier this month and we're planning a trip back in 2 years. I was surprised when my DS8 requested we stay at FWCabins for our next trip. My bf and his kids have been looking into WDW/Universal trip and the cabins would accommodate the 6 of us. We're all an outdoorsy bunch so sure would like to see some "natural Florida." What type of terrain do the current trails and the horseback ride cover?

 

[Belle5]

Wow! Thanks for the memories. We, too, blew past the barricades and risked "walking the planks" before the hurricane. We loved it!

 

[Gone Disney]

We were at the campground the week before Christmas and would NOT suggest attempting a trip over the bridge. I wish I had taken pictures of it. I too wish they would repair it as I have never been down the entire trail. C'mon what kinda of camping area is it without some real trails. Not too mention that DISNEY camping should have DISNEY trails. I would have settled for a walk on the old walkway to River Country but of course you can't get to it either. It's been purposely closed off, which I understand why.


Gone Disney

 

[Pigletlover]

Thanks for posting those photos. We were at Disney's Pop Century in December and took a trip over to Fort Wilderness to rent a canoe and also to walk this swamp nature trail. We asked at the Settlement general store where we could find the start of the trail and she said to just go behind us and there are signs.

So we started out and followed a couple of signs that said Nature Trail, but once we finally came to the actual wooden boardwalk we saw it was completely impassable because of all the fallen trees from the hurricane. Very disappointing! It would not have taken Disney very long to clear away the trees, so why haven't they done this by now?

I went back to the store and told her that it was blocked and we had gone all the way there for nothing. She said that people had been walking it, but I said that's impossible and told her to tell people that it was impassable.

I thought this was very poor service on Disney's part. Firstly having staff at the store that obviously had no idea it was closed, and secondly the fact that there were NO signs anywhere to tell us it was closed. They still had the Nature Trail signs up directing you the way to go.

The only consolation was on the way back from the boardwalk we heard a rustling in the undergrowth beside the sandy trail and saw something scuttle away. We kept watching and saw an armadillo snuffling around. He didn't seem to mind us watching and came closer and looked up at us with his little pink face. We got a great look at him.

We also really enjoyed the canoe ride and saw a few different birds along the river.

By the way, do you actually see any animals on the swamp trail? Maybe they will finally have it open again by our next visit.

 

[Trails End Server]

I'm new at the fort, and have not heard of this trail. Where exactly is it located? I might have to go check it out(or whats left of it).

 

[ftwildernessguy]

It is behind the Settlement trading post, over the canal back by the little shed where some of the summer programs used to be held, if they aren't any more. It initially follows the trail taken by the haunted hay ride during Halloween time. The wooden walkway still exists, although it is pretty well hidden now with brush and I would imagine in most cases it is impassable due to rotting planks. It used to be pretty well maintained, with a sort of gazebo at one point and trash barrels at regular intervals. It was a pretty good way to spot wildlife (armadillos, insects, frogs, snakes, even the occassional gator). I really miss it. I did black and whit prints of these pictures and have them hanging in my office.