Myakka River State Park Is a Hidden Gem in Florida

When most individuals consider the Sarasota, Florida space, seashores normally come to thoughts—the gorgeous white-sand selection, lined with heat, clear water. Most guests don’t discover past the shore—or their beachfront lodge. However tucked simply 20 miles inland is a wholly different world, full of distinctive wildlife that is simply as enchanting because the shoreline.

Myakka River State Park is one among Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. It was constructed across the Myakka, a wild river that is a haven for the state’s distinctive wildlife. Right here, guests will discover miles of wetlands in addition to expansive prairies coated with wildflowers. You may spot limpkins (a tropical wetland hen) wading by way of the water and osprey hovering above reside oaks draped with Spanish moss.

However for these excited by a extra lively journey, Myakka River State Park gives among the space’s finest fishing and boating alternatives. Right here, anglers (with a leisure freshwater license, after all) can solid for brown hoplo, blue tilapia, vermiculated sailfin catfish, and strolling catfish. Flat-bottomed boats take day by day journeys round Higher Myakka Lake, whereas stand-up paddleboards and kayaks can be found for lease inside the park. (Notice: canoeing and kayaking south of State Street 72 is restricted and requires a allow from the ranger station.) It is exhausting to imagine that this park is situated simply 20 miles west of the sandy shores of Siesta Key, Florida.

And whereas water actions make up a big a part of the park’s draw, it is also recognized for its mountaineering and biking trails. There are bike leases inside the park in addition to seven miles of paved, cyclist-friendly roads that run alongside the shore of Higher Myakka Lake. Mountain bikers will discover a lot to maintain busy with on the backcountry grime roads, too. As for hikers, the park is probably finest recognized for the Myakka Path, a well-maintained 38.9-mile loop that may be shortened right into a day hike if want be.

There are additionally quite a lot of guided boat, tram, and wildlife excursions obtainable for these excited by studying extra in regards to the park throughout their go to.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown daily. Since Florida’s climate can get scorching and muggy in the summertime, early spring and late fall are among the finest occasions to discover Myakka River State Park.