SOUTHWEST FLORIDA • NEWCOMERS GUIDE TO PARADISE | 67
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OLD FLORIDA PARKS
MYAKKA STATE FOREST
Within the city limits of North Port, just off
River Road, is Myakka State Forest. The state
forest is more than 8,500 acres that includes
miles of hiking and biking trails. The park also
offers canoe launches, picnic areas and rural
camping for those who enjoy a primitive lifestyle,
including a campsite right along the Myakka
River. It also allows some small-game hunting
during certain times of the year. 2000 S. River
Road, Englewood. 941-460-1333, www.fdacs.
gov/Divisions-Offi ces/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-
Forests/State-Forests/Myakka-State-Forest.
OSCAR SCHERER STATE PARK
Florida state parks provide habitat for many
rare, threatened, or endangered plants and
animals. With 1382 acres comprised of pine
fl atwoods, a blackwater stream called South
Creek, and two freshwater lakes, Oscar Scherer
State Park is no exception. The park in particular
is noted for its population of scrub-jays, gopher
tortoises and indigo snakes. 1843 S Tamiami Trail,
Osprey. 941-483-5956, www.fl oridastateparks.
org/parks-and-trails/oscar-scherer-state-park.
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK
Located about a half-hour drive from West
Villages — north on Interstate 75 and east on
State Road 72. And while alligators are all over
Area parks
FILE PHOTO
Old Florida trees and brush are aspects of both Myakka River State Park near Sarasota and Myakka State Forest
between North Port and Englewood.
