Hiking the Myakka
TrailThe Myakka Trail includes 38.9 miles of loop trails and is maintained
by the Florida Trail Association. Backcountry roads crisscross the park
and the Powerline and Old Railroa
d Grade offer
direct access to the interior. The horse trail is also open to hikers. The
day hiker or backpacker can combine portions of these trails and intersecting
roads to form any desired hiking distance.
The Myakka trail is identified by orange. vertical rectangles, or blazes, painted on trees or posts. Spur and cross trails are blue blazed. Two vertical blazes indicate a sharp turn in the trail.
Late fall, winter and early spring are ideal hiking seasons. Summer hiking, especially on the shadeless prairie, can be extremely hot and hikers should beware of heat exhaustion and stress. Insects may be a problem at any time and during rainy periods trails are often flooded. Always carry water, map and compass and wear appropriate sturdy footwear.
There are six primitive campgrounds along the hiking trail, with three campsites at each campground. Camp areas are located in oak hammocks, offering shade as well as beauty.
Two campsites at each area (up to 8 persons) can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Four campers may occupy a site or a maximum occupancy of 12 at a campground. Allow sufficient 
time to reach your designated campsite by sunset. Camp fee is $3 per night for adults and $2 for children under 18 years.
Use campstoves when possible and keep campfires small. Burn only downed and dead wood and practice minimum impact camping. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.
Lightning fires and fires initiated by rangers for park management are common. Be sure to occupy your designated site so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
Download 11" x 17" pdf version of Hike/Bike Map. This is a large file that may take several minutes to download.