60 | SOUTHWEST FLORIDA • NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE
Accepting New Patients
Private Practice Dentist
Family•Cosmetic
Implants•Extractions
Kenneth W. Lounders DMD
120 N. Indiana Ave • Englewood
941.475.1185
Proud Veteran Caring for the
Community Since 1992
adno=3901113-1
Walkers and cyclists put
the sidewalks and pathways
to good use in Punta Gorda.
Eighteen miles of lighted, landscaped and
level paths called Punta Gorda Pathways
wander through downtown and along Char-
lotte Harbor. Many stop along the way to
enjoy lunch, watch boats, and maybe even
spot a dolphin along the way.
Trail riding a favorite pastime? Look up
the Pioneer Cape Haze Trail in the western
part of the county. Another spectacular ride
is the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management
Area.
If you enjoy longer rides there are four
signed routes starting from Gilchrist Park in
Punta Gorda.
The Tour de Punta Gorda is an 18-mile
route primarily in the city limits.
The Bridges route takes us 32 miles and
fi nds 12 mountains (OK, maybe they're
bridges) to climb — two of which cross
over Charlotte Harbor.
The Tropical Gulf Route is 28 miles
through some neighborhoods and then
out into some forested, quiet areas of the
county, again with an excellent chance to
see Florida wildlife.
Finally, the Washington Loop route, one
of the locals' favorites, is a 30-mile circuit
traveling out of the city through horse
farms and rural areas of Charlotte County.
— By Court Nederveld
Bike pathways and trails
FILE PHOTO
The annual Tour de North Port takes place in October. This scenic bicycle ride has routes of 15, 35 or 65 miles that
travel through some of North Port's most beautiful, natural settings featuring the Florida pine flatwoods and the
parks that border the Myakkahatchee Creek with each route having its own color-coded road markings. The Tour
de North Port is not a race. www.peoplefortrees.com. Sponsored by People for Trees, Inc.
