Wilderness Swamp Trail

[DisneyFunFan]

Does anyone know when they closed off the boardwalk portions of the trail?

I was just at Fort Wilderness on the weekend and found that there is really no mention anywhere of the swamp trail. The only thing was a small sign at the back of one of the camping loops.

I travelled along the trail and around the barricades. The boardwalk portions were missing boards in places and at one point fallen trees blocked the path. It was strange because it hardly seemed that these boardwalk areas were ever connected to any paths.

Can someone who remembers the "Wilderness Swamp Trail" recall what it was like years ago? Were there signs along the way or anything? All that is there now is a sandy path but I've seen old trip reports online where people have said they they biked the trail.

Also, when I was there they had some equipment on site at the entrance to the Wilderness areas (near the bridge over the canal where the cabin is located). They said they were preparing the area for the Triathalon. I wonder if these preparations will enhance the forgotten Trail?

 

[DisneyFunFan]

BUMP - no one remembers the swamp trail?

 

[John VN]

I enjoyed the trail when it was open. Not sure when they closed it down, but I did walk it last year and it was in bad shape. Maybe I'll check it out when we are there in June.

John

 

[ftwildernessguy]

The swamp trail was always a must do for me when it was open. I was last on it 2-3 years ago just prior to it closing. The closed portion was a wooden walkway through the cypress swamp, giving you an idea of what FW looked like before development. I have some great pictures I took the last time I was on it. I remember one section that had a gazebo type enclosure. Last time I was on I commented to my son how it needed rehab - there were some rotten boards on the walkway. Despite some sporadic repairs, I guess Disney couldn't see the point in putting too much money into an "attraction" that made them no money and was little known and under utilized. It's a shame, but I fear the swamp trail has gone the way of River Country - a mere memory to those of us who knew FW way back when.

 

[PattnFmly]

I remember the Swamp Trail too, but it was a long time ago that I walked it. In fact, I think my photos of it are slides! I no longer even have a projector, hmmmm. But it was so relaxing, I loved the boardwalk part. Under the trees, along the lake, you felt like you were in your own little world. Everything else seemed so far away. I can still close my eyes and picture the views and smell the lake. What a shame that it's going by the wayside.

 

[Belle5]

I took my boys on it 6 years ago. I am so glad we did that now that we know it has since been closed. It made for such a relaxing day. I felt like it was our little secret place. It probably was and that's why it's gone...

 

[Hugpug]

I remember this from sometime ago. I walked down it in early morning it was so peaseful. I fear the same thing is happening to the trail between WL and FW also. I was just there and they are not keeping it up. Looks like Disney has lost interest in anything that does not give them any MONEY. What a shame. Walt would have never let things get this bad .

 

[jwill]

orig: HugPug

I fear the same thing is happening to the trail between WL and FW also. I was just there and they are not keeping it up. Looks like Disney has lost interest in anything that does not give them any MONEY. What a shame. Walt would have never let things get this bad .

I really hope this isn't the case. Every time I stayed at WL or FW, the path was a nice scenic jogging or walking path for me. It is a nice escape from all the crowded and developed parts of the world.

 

[ftwildernessguy]

Last time I was on the trail to FW from WL, it looked okay, and that was in February. I know the unpaved trail by the lake is somewhat rustic, but the paved trail looked fine. The exercise areas along the trail have been removed, but that was done quite some time ago. I really don't see any decline in this trail at all.