Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is One of Florida's Oldest State Parks

Situated nine miles east of Sarasota, just off Interstate 75, the Myakka River State Park is among the largest and oldest of Florida's 150 or so state parks. Originally a cattle ranch, the site was developed by the members of Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with help from the National Park Service, and was officially opened as a state park in 1942. Much of the park still looks as it did in that year and many of the buildings built by the CCC still stand.

This immense park stretches 58 square miles and includes a variety of eco-systems including wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. The major focus of the park is the mighty Myakka River, dubbed one of Florida's "wild and scenic'' rivers. On the waters of the Myakka, as well as on Upper Myakka Lake, guests can enjoy a variety of active pursuits, including boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Boat ramps provide easy access and the Myakka River Outpost rents kayaks and canoes.

Visitors can also tour the lake on the two largest airboats in the world - The Myakka Maiden or the Gator Gal. These airboats, which hold several dozen passengers per trip, can venture easily into shallow waters and allow guests a close-up look at the unique flora and fauna of the park, including some resident alligators. For those who prefer to stay on land, the Tram Safari takes visitors into the backwoods of Myakka River State Park, where they'll discover what southwest Florida looked like long before it was settled.

Nearly 39 miles of hiking trails wind throughout the park and backcountry roads travel straight into its interior. Day hikers can choose portions of trails while backpackers may want to tackle the entire loop. Permits are required for backpacking and camping. Six primitive campgrounds are located along the trail, each with three campsites. In addition, biking can be enjoyed on 7 miles of paved roads that encircle the park and a three-loop horse trail covers about 12 miles of back country.

Myakka River State Park's Canopy Walkway is a hit with all ages. Reached via a spur trail off the Boylston Nature Trail, the Canopy Walkway was the brainchild of Dr. Margaret Lowman, who was interested in studying the endangered eco-systems of Florida, including its forests. The suspension bridge-type walkway is 25 feet high and 85 feet tall. Visitors may get an extra good look at the treetops by climbing the walkway's 74 foot-high tower. It cost nearly $100,000 to build the Canopy Walkway and it is the most-visited attraction in the park.

Four picnic pavilions are available to visitors who may bring their own food or purchase snacks or lunch from the onsite concession, which sells gator stew and gator sandwiches. In addition to primitive campgrounds, full-facility camping is also available and includes restroom facilities with hot showers.