Myakka River State Park

Description

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida's largest and most diverse natural areas. The "Florida Wild and Scenic" Myakka River flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. The river and its two shallow lakes attract a myriad of wetland creatures making birding, canoeing, fishing and wildlife observation popular activities. A seven-mile scenic drive winds through shady oak-palm hammocks and along the shore of the Upper Myakka Lake. Over thirty-nine miles of hiking trails and many dirt service roads provide access to the park’s remote interior. Large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie thrive here thanks to intense restoration efforts. This globally-imperiled community suffered many decades of fire exclusion before people realized how dependent these grasslands were on frequent fire. Myakka River State Park is one of the state’s oldest parks. It was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Many of the original, historic buildings are still in use today, including five log rental cabins. You can even explore the treetops on Myakka’s canopy walkway and climb the seventy-four-foot tower for an awesome bird’s eye view.