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Lakes & rivers

Myakka River State Park

Sarasota, FL · Tampa Bay$$6 per vehicle (2 to 8 people); $2 on foot or bike

About

From the 74-foot tower on the canopy walkway at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, you look down on the tops of the live oaks and sabal palms. Fourteen miles of the Myakka run through the park. It was the first river the state of Florida designated Wild and Scenic. Hiking permits for the five-mile trail to Deep Hole, a sinkhole about 300 feet across, are limited to 30 each morning.

Highlights

Canopy walkway and 74-foot towerFlorida's first state-designated Wild and Scenic riverMore than 100 bird speciesBike and canoe rentals at the Outpost37,000 acres, one of the state's largest and oldest parks

Getting there

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

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