| POINTS OF
INTEREST Myakka River
State Park
13207 State Rd. 72, Sarasota.
You’ll find many opportunities to discover the
beauty of Myakka River State Park. Brochures and
information about what the park has to offer are
available at the park entrance. Stop by the
Visitor’s Center to view videos and exhibits of
wildlife and their habitats. Explore the treetops on
Myakka’s Canopy Walkway and Tower. At the Ranger’s
Station, inquire about wildlife boat or tram tour
schedules, park programs, camping, canoe/kayak
rentals, and bicycle rentals. The park has a
concession and gift shop, restrooms, picnic areas
and pavilions, and a fishing pier. Bait and tackle,
photo and camping supplies are available. There is
an entrance fee collected at the park entrance.
Park Office: 941-361-6511
Concession: 941-923-1120
Wildlife Tours: 941-365-0100
www.myakkariver.org
Snook Haven
5000 E. Venice Ave., Venice.
This 2.5-acre County park is a great place to relax
and enjoy a piece of “Old Florida.” The Snook Haven
concession includes a restaurant on the river, canoe
and kayak rentals, and a river boat tour. Outdoor
concerts held every weekend, check the county
calendar for schedule or call
941-861.5000.
T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Memorial
Reserve
1800 Mabry Carlton Parkway, Venice.
This reserve is over 26,000 acres and offers picnic
areas, a pavilion, nature trails, restrooms, and a
historic log cabin/visitor center. There are more
than 80 miles of primitive hiking trails that run
through large expanses of pine flatwoods, dry
prairie, oak-palm hammocks and wetlands.
941-861-5000. |
MAP
 Myakka
River/Carlton Trail
ROUTE
On this trail you will travel through the Myakka River State
Park which is one of Florida’s largest and most diverse natural
areas. The Sarasota County portion of the Myakka River was
designated a “Florida Wild and Scenic River” by State
Legislature in 1985. The Myakka River flows through 58 square
miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands.
NAVIGATIONAL NOTES
The technical difficulty on this river is for intermediate to
advanced canoeists and kayakers. Some areas are protected and
easy to paddle but other areas are open to the wind, currents,
flooding, and subject to weather changes.
During high water periods this river can be dangerous and
difficult to navigate.
There is a minimum speed, no-wake regulation for powerboats, and
airboats are not permitted.
SHORT TRIPS
Myakka River State Park north entrance launch
point to Visitor Center
Paddle south from the park’s northern launch point to the main
entrance of the park, just before reaching SR 72. This is an
approximately 5-mile loop. (Note: There is an entry fee per
vehicle, per day.) |
