Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Exploring North Port
One of those curious places where Interstate 75 travels east-west instead of north-south, North Port lies between Port Charlotte and Venice.
It is an extension of 1960s subdivisions north from Port Charlotte into piney woods and cattle ranches along the Myakka River basin.
It is notable for its Warm Mineral Springs, one of only two known hot springs in Florida. In 1958, a local resident started diving into its depths. A year later, he brought out significant archaeological finds.
North Port is also home to Myakka State Forest. With four different access points, primitive campsites, and more than 40 miles of trails on over 8,500 acres, it has outdoor recreation for everyone.
Trails and Parks near North Port
Big Slough Preserve Adjoining Carlton Reserve, Myakka River State Park, and Walton Reserve, Big Slough Preserve provides a vast space for wildlife to roam north of North Port.
Carlton Reserve Less than a dozen miles from downtown Venice, the vast expanse of T. Mabry Carlton Reserve provides regional drinking water and a massive refuge for wildlife. 
Carlton Reserve Hiking Trails Explore open prairies, wetlands, and pine flatwoods on a series of nested loop trails within the vast expanse of Carlton Reserve north of Venice.
Cedar Point Environmental Park Where Oyster Creek flows into Lemon Bay, Cedar Point Environmental Park protects a spectrum of coastal habitats along a wildlife-rich peninsula ready for exploration on foot. 
Deer Creek Prairie Preserve Part of a complex of public lands protecting the Myakka River and its tributaries, Deer Creek Prairie Preserve blankets over 7,300 acres between Venice and North Port. 
Gordon Smith Memorial Trail A short and scenic loop trail on easy terrain, the Gordon Smith Memorial Trail showcases mesic flatwoods, a predominant ecosystem in Myakka State Forest.
Jelks Preserve Offering scenic views of wild shores along the Myakka River, this hike at Jelks Preserve makes a big loop along the trail system to immerse you in a variety of habitats.
Legacy Trail North Port Connector Connecting the Legacy Trail in Venice to North Port, this 5.6 mile linear trail with parking at both ends provides a stellar destination for nature walks along a paved path. 
Myakka State Forest Along the southwestern Gulf Coast of Florida, Myakka State Forest offers an extensive trail network along the Myakka River basin, with tent camping under the stars.
Myakka State Forest North Loop Winding across open prairies of palmettos, the North Loop Trail at Myakka State Forest offers views of pine flatwoods and glimpses of the Myakka River.
Myakka State Forest South Loop Circling vast prairies amid pine flatwoods and depression marshes, the South Loop in Myakka State Forest provides a sense of perspective along the Myakka River basin. 
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park Along a 2.1 mile loop largely under a lush canopy of live oaks and cabbage palms, circle a deeply eroded basin holding sinuous Myakkahatchee Creek, also known as Big Slough. 
Sleeping Turtles Preserve North Named for a feature on old navigational maps, Sleeping Turtles Preserve North provides great views of the Myakka River from its bluffs. 
Sleeping Turtles Preserve South Where subdivisions now occupy a formerly sleepy rural corner of Venice, Sleeping Turtles Preserve South provides a haven for wildlife along the Myakka River floodplain.