Location: Myakka River State Park
Trailhead (Google Plus Code): 7PPW+QM Myakka City, Florida
Hike Length: 3-5 miles
Time Estimate: three hours
Habitats: Hardwood Hammock, Dry Prairie, Wetlands
Notes: Almost always has some wet trail. Watch for alligators near streams. This is a beautiful little hike that starts along the south side of Clay Gulley and explores Myakka’s hydric and mesic hammock.
- Multiple habitats/Ecosystems – This hike will take you through a variety of Florida’s Habitats/Ecosystems.
- Butterfly Orchids -There are butterfly orchids, typically in the live oak trees — they bloom in May.
- Cabbage Palm Hammock – Wander around the debris strewn Cabbage palm forest. This is an interesting ecosystem that can tolerate flooding — notice the water line on the palm tree trunks.
- Alligators – Keep an eye out for alligators, which are particularly common in the wetter spots near the shore.
- Ferns – There is an opportunity to see many fern species here: resurrection fern, golden polypody, sword fern and more.
- Live Oaks – This is a great place to see live oaks, both endemic and iconic to the Old South.
- Red-Shouldered Hawks – Florida’s most common hawk, red-shouldered hawk calls are common here and throughout the area.
- Wetlands Ecosystem – This hike includes access to a wetlands ecosystem.
