Myakka State Park is located in Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida. It is a 1.920 acre park that I had always wanted to travel and take in the sights.
I knew that our time here was limited because it was a stop-off spot getting from point A to point B. But, if I never got a chance to head back this way I might kick myself for not spending the short amount of time I had today.
We paid a $6.00 fee as we entered the Myakka River State Park. Much of the park from North to South can be traveled by car. Upon entering we decided we would drive the entire length before deciding where we would stop.
The main road was maybe 6 miles in length and led to a wooden boardwalk that was over the river and a lake. We stopped off a few times in little coves along the road to see what the signs said to gather ideas for where we would stop on our way back.
At this point, I really wish that we had additional time to spend here. I could see the wildlife and plant life was very abundant.
I know that the threat and damage to cars are real by vultures. Although, for me, I just couldn’t get over the fact that they eat anything. Literally. Anything!
There are signs and literature warning you about a few places within the park. Just be aware of it before you travel.
I told my husband I wanted to get out on the wooden boardwalk for a bit and poke around. I could see it was excellent for bird watching and we only had about ten minutes we could spare. But, I saw something, pink. I swear I did.
I was able to shoot a few “firsts”. I literally walked up and saw two glossy ibis and a few roseate spoonbills and numerous bird life.
Off to my left was an alligator, on my right were two sandhill cranes and up in the trees were nesting birds.
The research I did online said the park is noted for its wildlife and some of the rare birds seen only in Florida, like the Roseate Spoonbills. I was hoping to at least see one. They were not kidding.
Because, I didn’t see just one. I saw entire flocks. They were there, just not in camera range. As luck would have it, one was close enough.
At that point, I wished I had the rest of the day to hang around. However, time was ticking on the hour I did have. I was still in search of the canopy walk.
Back in the car, we went. Along the route, I noticed that the walking/hiking trails seemed to crisscross through the park and there appeared to be plenty of local flora. There were mossy hammocks, and tall pine and oak trees. A mix of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pines. Making the area excellent for any nature-loving nut. Noted that for my next trip.
A short walk from the main road through native flora revealed Myakka State Park Canopy Walkway. It is a suspension bridge 25 feet above the ground and it extends 100 feet through a hammock canopy and oh, so cool. The pictures I had seen did not do this place justice.
A tower soars 74 feet in the air with a glorious view above the treetops. The canopy walk was exactly what I had hoped for.
It was a short-lived trip to Myakka State Park but one I hope to revisit someday. Next time I’d hope to spend more than an hour of my time here.
