John Yarbrough Linear Park

John Yarbrough Linear Park is a paved pathway running along Ten Mile Canal near Fort Myers, stretching roughly six miles in length. The route winds through wetlands and typical Florida vegetation including palms, reeds, and native grasses.

The trail follows the route of Ten Mile Canal, built in the 1920s by the Iona Drainage District to manage water runoff toward Estero Bay. This drainage system was crucial to the early settlement and development of the region.

The trail serves as a popular gathering place where locals come to walk, jog, and cycle regularly. People use the pathway to stay active and connected with the natural surroundings that define this part of the region.

The trail can be accessed from several entry points including Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Daniels Parkway, and Colonial Boulevard, with free parking at designated areas. Visit during early morning or late afternoon hours when it is cooler and less crowded.

The park includes a filter marsh with specialized aquatic plants that clean water from Ten Mile Canal before returning it to the waterway. This natural purification process is an important part of local water management and often goes unnoticed by visitors.