| POINTS OF
INTEREST
Butler Park
6205 West Price Blvd., North Port
Butler Park amenities include: a canoe launch,
concession area, a large pavilion and picnic area.
There are little league fields, a playground,
restrooms, and two soccer fields.
941-861.5000.
Jelks Preserve
2300 N. River Road, Venice
Jelks Preserve has a 3.3-mile loop nature trail that
will take you through a mosaic of native habitats
from scrubby flatwoods to oak hammocks and pine
flatwoods and seasonal marshes. Look for gopher
tortoise burrows, wildflowers, and Florida scrub
jays. The hiking trails are limited to foot traffic
only.
941-861-5000.
Myakkahatchee
Creek Environmental Park
6968 Reistertown Road, North Port.
The Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park consists
of 206-acres of mostly shady oak hammock on both
sides of the creek. This park offers a rare
opportunity to enjoy an “Old Florida” experience of
a blackwater creek. It features birding, canoeing,
hiking, picnicking, and bicycling. There is also a
nature trail and restroom facilities.
941-861-5000.
Warm Mineral
Springs
12200 San Servando Ave., North Port
Stalactites and stalagmites have been documented
well below the water line, which provides evidence
the spring was a dry cave over a very long period of
time, possibly during the last ice age. In 1977,
Warm Mineral Springs was placed on the National
Register of Historic Places. An entry fee provides
admission to a 20-minute theater show of the history
of the state of Florida in the era of Ponce de Leon,
a dip in the springs and access to a spa. There is a
cafe overlooking the lake, a snack bar, and a gift
shop.
941-426-1692
www.warmmineralsprings.com |
MAP
 Myakka
River/Myakkahatchee Creek Trails
ROUTE
The river and creek are located between Venice and North Port
and flow into Charlotte Harbor. The name “Myakkahatchee” comes
from the Seminole language: “miarca” meaning “big water” and
“hatchee” alluding to “river.” Approximately 10,000 years ago
this creek, with its surrounding forest hammock, was a prime
hunting spot for Paleo Indians, according to archaeological
evidence. Today it represents an important part of the local
water supply system.
NAVIGATIONAL NOTES
When paddling the Myakkahatchee Creek be aware that north of
Price Blvd. the creek is constricted with varying water levels.
There are also numerous portages that may be required depending
on the water levels. Under the I-75 over-pass you may encounter
rocky areas. Traveling south of Price Blvd. on Myakkahatchee
Creek is suitable for novice paddlers.
SHORT TRIPS
Butler Park to Myakka State Forest
This trail provides a 6-mile loop to reach the section of the
state forest that is northeast of the Myakka River.
Approximately one mile into the journey you will have a portage
around a dam.
LAUNCH POINTS
Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park
6968 Reistertown Road, North Port. From I-75 take exit 182,
drive north on Sumter Blvd. until you reach Tropicaire Blvd.
Turn left, then go right on Reistertown Road The park entrance
is at the end of the road on the right
Butler Park
6205 West Price Blvd., North Port.
From U.S. 41, take Sumter Blvd. north to Price Blvd. Turn left
on Price Blvd. until you come to the park’s entrance on the
left.
Myakka State Forest
2555 S. River Road, North Port.
From U.S. 41 take S. River Road left to River Road Turn left,
and the entrance is on the right. Follow Slash Pine Trail until
you reach the river. |
