Florida Canopy Trail Opens at Myakka River
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota now features a stunning canopy trail that lets visitors walk high above the trees for unique views of Florida's wild landscape. The suspended walkway offers a new perspective on the state's natural beauty and is being called a must-see for nature enthusiasts. This provides a more accessible adventure option compared to traditional hiking trails.
The Myakka Canopy Walkway, North America's first public treetop trail, originally opened in 2000. It was the brainchild of canopy scientist Dr. Margaret D. Lowman and resulted from a collaboration between the Florida Park Service, the Friends of Myakka River, and the TREE Foundation. The structure serves as an open-air laboratory for research and education, offering a unique perspective on the oak/palm hammock ecosystem. The walkway itself is a 100-foot-long suspension bridge, positioned 25 feet above the ground. It connects to a 74-foot tower that provides panoramic views of the treetops, wetlands, and the surrounding prairie. Visitors can often spot eagles, hawks, and vultures from this high vantage point. After sustaining damage from hurricanes, the walkway underwent repairs. While the popular Birdwalk at the park remains closed due to severe damage, the Canopy Walkway and its observation tower were reopened to the public by the summer of 2025. The walkway's 25th anniversary in 2025 has spurred new fundraising efforts. The TREE Foundation is leading a campaign to support the "next phase of revitalizing and expanding" the iconic structure, ensuring its longevity and enhancing the visitor experience for the future.
