We leaded guided naturalist hikes/walks in Myakka River State Park and beyond. People who join should be interested primarily in nature and hiking. We offer knowledge of the park, as well as the flora and fauna, so there is a naturalist/interpretive approach, rather than hiking for exercise. Most hikes will be at least two miles and sometimes as much as six miles, so participants should be able to walk a considerable distance over rough, and sometimes wet, terrain.
The hikes we offer (November – April) are:
- Scheduled weekly hikes in Myakka River State Park (typically Wednesday mornings)
- Monthly hikes to Deep Hole (typically on the first Friday of the month)
- Private Hikes
General Hike Information (Specific hike information may vary)
- Meet at the Visitor Center parking lot just inside of the Park’s south entrance (on 72).
- You will have to enter the park and pay the fee, which is $4 for a car and one person.
- We will drive from the parking lot to the trailhead. Please do not expect the group to wait for you.
- If you plan to cancel for any reason, please call or text as soon as possible.
- If we have to cancel the hike for any reason, we will attempt to let you know by 9 pm the day before the hike.
- A hike will be typically about 2-6 miles long over varying and sometimes soggy terrain. If you do not think you can hike that distance, please let us know.
- Please make us aware of any health issues you or anyone in your party may have.
- There are no bathrooms along the way. So we recommend that you use the bathroom at the Ranger Station if you do not want to use the woods.
- It is likely that we will see some wildlife, and perhaps alligators. In some cases, we may walk close to alligators. If that is a source of great concern to you, please let us know in advance.
- Perhaps the biggest issue on the hike is dehydration from heat, wind and exercise. This can create all kinds of physical problems: dizziness, nausea, fainting. We REQUIRE that everyone on the hike bring and drink their own water: at least one liter.
Recommended
- We typically return well before lunch, but some may like to bring a snack or an energy bar.
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts for sun and/or weather protection, as well as for walking through brush.
- Hiking boots or shoes with good support (Expect your shoes to get muddy and wet.)
- Broad-brimmed hat for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- A day pack for carrying items
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sun lotion/Bug Spray
