Florida Canopy Trail Opens
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota now features a canopy trail that lets visitors walk high above the treetops, offering a new perspective on Florida's wild landscapes. The elevated walkway makes it a standout destination for those seeking unique outdoor experiences beyond traditional ground-level hiking.
The Myakka Canopy Walkway, the first of its kind in North America, was completed in 2000. It was the vision of canopy scientist Dr. Margaret D. Lowman and resulted from a partnership between the Florida Park Service, the Friends of Myakka River, and the TREE Foundation. The walkway itself is suspended 25 feet above the ground and stretches for 100 feet through the oak and palm hammock. An associated tower rises 74 feet, offering panoramic views of the treetops, wetlands, and prairie. More than just a tourist attraction, the walkway serves as an outdoor laboratory for research and education. Shortly after its opening, it proved its scientific value with the discovery of an exotic weevil from Central America that was harming the park's airplants. The entire structure was funded through a collaboration of local non-profit groups and foundations, with a construction cost of $75,000. Ongoing maintenance is handled by the Friends of Myakka River and the TREE Foundation, with assistance from park staff. The walkway is a major draw for the park's over 387,000 annual visitors and contributes to an estimated $28.4 million in ecotourism revenue for Sarasota County. There is no additional fee to experience the canopy walk beyond the standard park entrance fee of $6 per vehicle.
