Amenities

Hiking/walking trails, ADA trail, non-motorized bicycle trails, equestrian trails, canoe/kayak launch, log cabin visitor’s center, mock historic cowboy camp, picnic pavilion, picnic shelters, grills, park benches, restrooms, parking, horse trailer parking

Experiences

The T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Reserve has more than 80 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the 12 mile Myakka Island Wilderness Trail which connects the Carlton Reserve with Myakka River State Park. Equestrian trails also make up a portion of the Myakka Island Wilderness Trail. Trails take you through dry prairie, pine flatwoods, mesic hammocks and seasonal wetlands. Watch for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcats, swallowtailed kites, various wading birds and an assortment of wildflowers, such as pine lily, tarflower and purple iris. Non-native feral hogs are commonly seen on the reserve. Because they have detrimental impacts on the native habitats, a trapping program is in place to reduce their numbers.

Most trail intersections are marked with numbered markers. Some trails may flood after heavy rainfall and several that cross creeks and ditches may be wet year round. Water, sun block, insect repellant, a rain jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended for hiking.

History

This 24,565 acre T. Mabry Carlton, Jr. Reserve was purchased in 1982 for the purposes of developing a wellfield to provide drinking water for Sarasota County. The remaining acreage was set aside for natural resource protection. The site is named after T. Mabry Carlton, Jr., a former County Commissioner who was instrumental in acquiring the land.

Habitats

Pine flatwoods, wet and dry prairies, oak hammocks, wetlands

Acreage

24,565 acres

Watershed

Myakka River

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned and maintained by Sarasota County

Website

www.scgov.net

SCAT Bus stop and route

None