Top Nature Walks Around Sarasota

Florida is rich in natural beauty, when you are ready for a closer look here are some of the best spots in Sarasota and Manatee county.

Horned Owl

Canopy Walk at Myakka

Located east of Sarasota in the Myakka River State Park you will find the Canopy Walk at Myakka. Myakka River State Park was originally developed through the historic CCC program in 1934 with land purchased and donated from a prominent Sarasota family.

In additional to birding and fishing the park maintains more than 38 miles of hiking trails that allows visitors to sample to the unique dry prairie, wet lands, river front and forested areas.

One of the most unique features of the park is the Canopy Walkway. It features a suspended wooden structure 25 feet above grout that extends more than 100 feed through the hammock canopy gives guests a spectacular view of the surrounding area as well as a way to more closely view the surrounding trees and bird life.

The walk way also features a tower that rises 74 feet for a 360 degree view of the park. As there are more than 100 stairs in the Canopy Walk, visitors are advised to expect moderate levels of physical ability to access the walkway.

For additional information regarding the park and the Canopy Walk please visit the park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/myakka-river-state-park

Emerson Point Preserve

Emerson Point Preserve is a 195 acre peninsula of land extending into the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Manatee River to the south, and Tampa Bay to the north. This convergence of so many bodies of water created an ideal location for both salt and fresh water fish to mingle making this an attractive location as a settlement for ancient peoples of the area.

The Tera Ceia Trail loop is a 2.1 mile track that is accessible to all skill levels, a pleasantly shaded walk that winds through the ancient grandfather oak trees. The Portavant Temple Mount Trail is a short .3 mile loop that provides visitors with access to the largest Native American Temple Mount in Southwest Florida, this trail ends with a pier extending out into the Manatee River with an excellent opportunity to spot dolphins and manatees.

Emerson Point Preserve also offers visitors pavilions and grills that can be rented in advance as well as an outdoor education program lead by park rangers. Please visit their website for more information: Emerson Point