Lisa Browder

Myakka State Park is one of Florida’s oldest parks. It’s named after the Myakka River that flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, hammocks, pinelands and prairies. It has a 7-mile scenic drive that’s worth your time and there are lots of little side roads that lead to hiking trails or picnic areas.

I went there for the canopy walk but discovered the scenic drive was far more impressive. The canopy walk looks spectacular in photos but, as it turns out, is 85′ that feels like about 6′. On the far side, there’s a 74′ tower that rises above the tree line. I was hoping to see – I don’t know – something spectacular. The panoramic view included the tops of trees but that was about it. There was one lone ibis in a swampy area near the tower but I’m sorry to say that didn’t hold my interest very long since that’s a common residential sight in Tampa. Ten minutes and I was done.

I headed back to the road and set out in search of adventure. I stopped several times to take pictures and eventually arrived at an area with unobstructed views of a floodplain (my description). It seemed to be a popular place. I passed quite a few people toting enormous cameras and/or photographing the birds.

My next stop was a place called Clay Gully Picnic Area. Turns out, I can’t be sure if I was meant to bring the picnic or if I was the picnic. It looked like a quaint, out of the way, quiet little spot to relax. I got out, moseyed over to the bank and looked for good photo opportunities. To my right, I found a lovely red plant growing on a tree branch. I turned to my left.

Ah ha! A giant bird on a branch in the middle of the stream. It seemed too far away to look majestic so I took a few steps closer to zoom in. It was then I spied an enormous alligator on the grass. I took a quick snap of him and scurried back to the safety of the car. I very briefly considered inching a little closer but my better judgment prevailed. It was only a short while ago that an alligator was seen strolling down a Tampa street with a human torso in its mouth. That, coupled with the fact that alligators can run up to 35 miles per hour on land, made me give the idea of inching closer a second thought.

Instead, I headed back to the main road. It snaked around and eventually led me to a recreation area with river boat tours, a gift shop and a food truck. I decided not to spend too much time here since, according to the sign, the vultures might be after my car for some reason. Why that is, I don’t know. Were they big enough to carry it off?

I might add the biggest bird I saw looked more like a raven than a vulture but what do I know?

My last stop was beside a bridge with some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. There was also a path leading down to the water. Ever the explorer, I headed in that direction. I’d only taken a couple of steps down the path when I stopped to read the sign. It convinced me not to venture to the water’s edge.

Although the canopy walk was not as impressive as I’d hoped, an exploration of the rest of the park made all the difference. Plan to check out all the luscious nooks and crannies. You never know what’s right there waiting to be discovered.

• 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida
• 941-361-6511 (Ranger Station)
• $4 for the day
• I would not consider the hiking trails or the canopy walk wheelchair accessible but the boat tour is