Myakka River State Park

One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state's most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands.

The Myakka Trail includes 38.9 miles of loop trails and is maintained by the Florida Trail Association. Backcountry roads crisscross the trail allowing hikers to shorten or lengthen their hiking trips. Discover shady live oak/palm hammocks, sandy pine flatwoods, sunny dry prairies, and marshes teaming with life. The best thing about hiking at Myakka is that it offers visitors relief from life's daily hassle and a chance to "get away from it all." Late fall, winter and early spring are ideal hiking seasons. Summer hiking, especially on the shadeless prairie, can be extremely hot and hikers should beware of heat exhaustion and stress. Insects may be a problem at any time. Trails are often flooded during rainy periods and may be over grown in the summer and early fall. Always carry water, a map and compass or GPS and wear appropriate sturdy footwear.

The Myakka Canopy Walkway provides easy access to observe life in the treetops of an oak/palm hammock. As an outdoor laboratory for research and education, it is a place for discovery and opportunity for visitors to Myakka to see its canopy inhabitants up close. Completed in 2000, this structure is the first public treetop trail in North America. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy. A tower soars 74 feet in the air to present a spectacular view of tree tops, wetlands and the prairie/hammock interface. You can look down on eagles, hawks, vultures and the tips of live oaks and palm trees.