With 39 miles in four loops, the Myakka Hiking Trail at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the state’s finest destinations for a weekend or long weekend holiday hike. I frequently get asked about places backpackers can go during hunting season – deer season starts very soon throughout Central Florida – and not worry about running into hunters. Myakka River State Park fits the bill.
There are four designated primitive campsites along the route, but you must reserve backcountry space in advance by calling the park (941-361-6511) to ensure there’s room to pitch your tent. A per-person, per-night fee applies on top of the usual entrance fee. It’s a small price to pay for immersing in the beauty of the Florida prairie. I shot these images during a backpacking trip in 2003 – a very wet winter – and they’ll give you an idea of the splendor you can expect along this one-of-a-kind hiking trail.
You’ll find details and maps for backpacking Myakka in my book “50 Hikes in South Florida.”
Hello Sandra. I was thinking about doing a very short overnight with my son, and the hike to Bee Island is about the distance we would like to travel. Any thoughts on what we could expect on this specific section? We’ve been family camping at the developed campsite in Myakka a number of times and love the park, but have not yet visited the back country camp sites. Any advice, suggestions, etc. would be much appreciated!
Bee Island is a spectacular place to camp. You’ll want to check with the park staff ahead of time for your permit – they do get very crowded in winter – and to be sure the pitcher pump that is the water source there is in good shape. You’ll need a water filter, of course. I’d suggest hiking clockwise from the trailhead. If you’re going to hit wet stuff – again, worth asking the rangers first – there’s a creek at that side of the loop that will flood over the trail. The loop to Bee Island includes a spectacular 2-mile-wide prairie before you get to the turnoff for the campsite. You might hit some wet stuff on the return loop depending on recent rainfall. We waded a good bit but that was a very wet winter. Be sure to bring warm clothes / change of socks / warm sleeping bag as being damp + cold is no fun, and it can get pretty cold in Florida in the winter. You might want something to sit on, too, once you get to camp. Have fun out there!
Does anyone know if there are any reliable sources of water along the outer backpacking loop in Myakka? Could just be a wetland…doesn’t have to be a pump? I can’t seem to get an answer anywhere. I’m talking about dry season – going next week in the middle of Feb 2017
NE corner of the loop went along a stream that flooded onto the trail when I backpacked it. Call the park, their rangers should know current conditions. It’s high and dry on the SE side.
Hi Sandra,
Do you know if the trail kiosk or park entrance has maps of the Bee Island loop trail?
I’d like to day hike that one, but can’t seem to find a trail map online anywhere. I’ve never been out there, and don’t want to get lost on the 39 miles worth of trails in the park! LOL
Thank you
Yes. They have maps at the entrance. Also, here is a link to a map…
https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/Division%20of%20Recreation%20and%20Parks/documents/hike_bike1.pdf