You know that moment when you reach the treetops and suddenly feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s secret nature hideout? That’s what the Myakka Canopy Walkway feels like. It’s not long—maybe 100 feet across—but somehow it feels way more expansive once you’re up there. Suspended about 25 feet above the ground, surrounded by swaying palms and twisty live oaks, it’s the kind of place that slows your breath. Or makes you hold it. Not sure which, honestly.
It all starts with a short trail—flat, shaded, easy. Perfect for pretty much anyone who can walk without tripping over tree roots. In ten minutes or less, you're at the base of the structure, looking up at the wooden towers with a mix of curiosity and, well, that little flicker of “Do I really want to climb this thing?” You probably do.
The walkway itself is narrow and just bouncy enough to keep you alert. It sways, ever so slightly—nothing crazy, but if you’re the type who clutches your bag on elevators, you’ll definitely feel it. I caught myself gripping the handrail a little too tightly at first, then laughed it off. Sort of. You cross from one tower to the other, and then… the climb begins.
Now, the 74-foot tower. It’s not Everest, sure, but when you’re winding up those stairs and the wind picks up a little? Yeah. You’ll feel it. I had that tiny “What if it sways more than it should?” moment. But by the time I reached the top—whew. Just wow. The view opens up like a painting: prairie, wetlands, forest, and the Myakka River snaking quietly in the distance. You might not even say anything at first. You just stand there, blinking.
Best time to go? Mornings, for sure. November through April is ideal—Florida’s winter and spring are dry, cool(ish), and way less buggy. Summer? Nope. Unless you’re into sweating through your backpack and slapping mosquitoes every ten seconds. Fall is okay too, but it’s still warm, and storms roll in fast.
Once you’ve had your treetop fix, don’t rush off. The park is huge—kayaking, boat tours, birdwatching, and miles of trails. You can spot gators if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending). And if you want to stay the night, there are old-school cabins inside the park—built back in the '30s, full of creaky charm. Or just head back to Sarasota, which is super close and full of cozy hotels and solid seafood.
One small thing: it can get crowded on weekends, especially late morning. So if you want that golden light and a little solitude, go early. Or go midweek. Or just go—because honestly, even with the occasional elbow brush on the walkway, it’s still worth it.
So bring water, throw on some bug spray, and take your time. The Myakka Canopy Walkway might be short, but the feeling it gives you? Big. Quiet. Slightly wobbly, in a good way. You’ll walk away feeling like you saw Florida from a new angle—one you didn’t expect, but will probably want to see again.
Add a review