Myakka River State Park — Myakka Prairie Tract • Central Sarasota County, east of Venice

About Myakka River State Park — Myakka Prairie Tract

Myakka Prairie is managed as a part of the Myakka River State Park and is part of a 100-square-mile regional area of contiguous and natural publicly protected lands. The Myakka River State Park borders the property on the north and west, and Sarasota County’s Carlton Reserve borders the property on the south. Myakka Prairie, in combination with the surrounding public lands, is regionally important to present and future conservation and protection of water resources and natural systems of the Myakka River watershed.

The property has large expanses of excellent dry prairie that are considered a globally imperiled habitat. The remainder of the property contains depressional marshes interspersed with pine flatwoods and hammocks. Deer Prairie Slough runs through the eastern portion of the property.

Recreational Opportunities

Bicycling

Several miles of unpaved trails available.
Florida law requires bicyclists under 16 to wear helmets.

Equestrian Use

Available on existing roads within property.
Each rider must carry proof of horse’s current negative Coggins test.
Interior roads may be wet following heavy rains.
Riders are required to stay on marked trails.
Florida law requires equestrians under 16 to wear helmets.

Hiking

Several miles of trails on existing roads.

Access and Parking

Primary access point at Martin’s Gate, which is on south side of SR 72, just south of Myakka River State Park.
Small public parking area provided.
All recreational users required to register at main entrance at Myakka River State Park. No entry fees to enter Myakka Prairie.
A multiuse trail that crosses the tract north to south can be accessed at Martin’s Gate. Trail connects several tracts of public lands, including Carlton Reserve.