A lesser-known property in the Florida State Parks system, Wingate Creek is managed by nearby Lake Manatee State Park.
A marked trail system for hiking and biking crisscrosses the park, exploring a variety of ecosystems that transition quickly as the land slopes toward the creek.
A trail map is available at the trailhead kiosk, where the locations of the Sugar Sand Loop, Sunshine Trail, and Old Pine Way trails are drawn on an aerial photograph.
Hiking the scrub at Wingate Creek State ParkResources
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Overview
Location: Myakka City
Length: 4.2 mile loop
Trailhead: 27.459444, -82.148167
Address: 38620 East SR 64, Myakka City
Fees: Free
Restrooms: None
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 941-741-3028
Open 8 AM to sunset. Leashed dogs welcome. Shade is very limited, sun protection is highly recommended.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 64 and Interstate 75 east of Bradenton, head east on SR 64 E for 20.4 miles to a parking area for the trailhead on the right side of the road.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead, head southward along a winding pathway lined with scrub oaks, hog plums, and palmettos.
Many of the plants and animals in this environment are adapted to thriving in desert like conditions on these dry, sandy soils.
Scrub habitatHidden in thick clusters of shrubby vegetation, curious Florida scrub jays make distinctive raspy calls, occasionally flying to the top of a tree to survey their surroundings.
These striking blue and gray birds are unique to the state of Florida, and they rely on specific habitats like this scrub to survive.
Florida scrub jayReaching an intersection with the Sunshine Trail at 0.6 mile, follow white trail markers as the path curves to the right before turning south again along a forest road.
Sporadic sand pines and sand live oaks covered in Spanish moss stand alongside the path, noticeably taller than the trees at the beginning of the trail.
Sandy forest roadTurning westward at a yellow marker onto the Old Pine Way trail, elements of sandhill habitat become evident within the scrubby landscape.
This trail loops through the southern end of the property before returning to Sugar Sand Circle in 0.9 mile.
Lupine, gopher apple, and turkey oaksWhite trail markers indicate the route as it turns northward, entering mesic flatwoods with sporatic longleaf and slash pine among a lush understory of fetterbush lyonia and gallberry.
Tiny carnivorous pink sundews cluster in damp areas of exposed soil alongside fluffy yellow milkworts.
Mesic flatwoodsShortly before concluding the loop portion of Sugar Sand Circle, turn right where the Sunshine Trail splits to the east, indicated by a red trail marker.
This small section of trail skirts an edge of wetland baygall habitat alongside bottomland forests surrounding Wingate Creek.
Baygall habitatAt a junction with white and red trail markers in a quarter mile, continuing straight along the Sunshine Trail begins a trek through open scrubby landscapes.
It loops back to this junction in 1.3 miles. Turn right. Sugar Sand Circle leads north, reaching the trailhead in 0.6 mile.
Trail markers at the junctionTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Wingate Creek State Park
Nearby Adventures
Lake Manatee Trails Explore the open uplands inside the main entrance of Lake Manatee State Park with a trio of trails that make a 2.5 mile loop around the campground.
Lake Manatee Gopher Trail On the east side of Lake Manatee State Park, the Gopher Trail system offers scenic views of the lake among a variety of natural habitats. 
Little Manatee River Trail Scenery, rugged landscape, and botanical diversity are all important factors for a great Florida hike. You'll find that on the 6.5-mile Little Manatee River Hiking Trail, one of our long-time favorites. 
Camp Bayou Nature Preserve Located on the banks of the Little Manatee River, Camp Bayou Nature Preserve provides an easygoing set of trails through a variety of natural Florida habitats. 
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