Things To Do
The park is noted for its wildlife and some of the rare birds seen only in Florida, such as the Roseate Spoonbill, frequent the park. Other species that are less rare, but still seldom seen in backyards and urban parks also are residents of the park. Native flora flourishes in the park. There are many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals to learn about and enjoy watching as well.
Myakka River State Park has an excellent system of hiking trails. Walking trails crisscross the eastern side of the park.
Six primitive campgrounds are accessible by trail throughout the park: Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Panther Point, Honore, Oak Grove and Prairie. Five of these sites are equipped with a pitcher pump to provide water, but the Mossy Hammock campsite does not have a pump and you must pack water to this site for your use.
Horseback riding and biking is permitted on certain designated trails and roads in the park. This part of the park is dominated by expanses of very low vegetation, fields of palmetto, that make a transition to islands, or hammocks, of tall pine and oak trees.
A good portion of the park is accessible by automobile. Myakka River State Park's main road, a 6.5-mile drive between the North and South ends, leads visitors to a boardwalk out to the river and a lake that is excellent for bird watching.
The main drive is also popular with cyclists, runners, and skaters. Bicycle traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and holidays.
A short walk from the main road reveals Myakka's Canopy Walkway, a novel suspension bridge and tower providing researchers and visitors with views of the forest canopy and a spectacular above-the-treetops view of the entire park.
Picnic areas, canoeing, boat tours, and developed campsites are available. The park even has five cabins that were built not with logs, but with the trunks of native sabal palms.
Read more about this topic: Myakka River State Park
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