Amenities

Multi-use trails for hiking, bicycle, and equestrian use, kayak/canoe dock, fishing areas on the Myakka River, Myakkahatchee Creek and Watering Hole (can be reached only by hiking on trails), small game hunting season (regulated by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), primitive camping sites, picnic tables, information kiosks, ADA accessible facilities, ranger’s office, pet-friendly, restrooms, parking

Annual passes are available at the Forest Office for $30 for up to 8 people and are good at all of Florida’s State Forests

For additional information and brochures visit the Forest Office.

Mailing Address:
Myakka State Forest
P O Box 491
Englewood  FL  34295

Additional Web site information:
www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/myakka.html
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/myakkastateforest.html
http://myfwc.com/docs/Brochures/09-10_MyakkaSGA.pdf

Experiences

Myakka State Forest is perfect for those who like to watch wildlife. Over 100 species of birds, including scrub jay and owls have been sighted here and the forest is listed in the southern section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. The numerous depression marshes scattered throughout the flatwoods provide many opportunities for viewing wading birds. Alligators, bobcats, wild boar, armadillo, otter, and pygmy rattlesnakes have been spotted here as well. The forest includes several miles of frontage on the Myakka River and Myakkahatchee Creek, providing plenty of fishing spots and water views.

More than 19 miles of trails exist, some with shady pine canopy. Trails vary in length from a half mile long to over seven miles long. No drinking water is available within the forest boundaries, so be sure to bring a water bottle. During rainy periods, trails are subject to flooding and standing water. Trails and camping may be closed to visitors during that time or when certain management activities are taking place.

History

The forest was purchased in 1995 as part of the Myakka Estuary Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) project using Preservation 2000 and Save Our Rivers funds.

Habitats

Mesic flatwoods with a mixture of longleaf pine and slash pine overstory with a palmetto understory. Wet flatwoods with wax myrtle, weedy grasses and forbs. Numerous depression marshes. Some small areas of wet prairie, mesic hammock, tidal marsh, scrub and scrubby flatwood

Acreage

8,592 acres (3 miles frontage on Myakka River)

Watershed

Myakka River

Who Owns and Maintains

Owned by the Florida Board of Trustees and the Southwest Florida Water Management District; managed by the Florida Division of Forestry

Website

www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/myakka.html

SCAT Bus stop and route

None