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The Myakka Canopy Walkway and Observation TowerThe Myakka Canopy WalkwayOn the Myakka Canopy Walkway you can walk amongst the tree tops. The Canopy Walkway is 25 feet above the ground and extends 85 feet through the tree tops above the Myakka floor.
This Canopy Walk is one of only about a dozen world-wide, wherein you can walk through the tree tops and look out to the pathway below or through the forest and trees ahead of you or at your side, at tree-top level.
Completed in June of 2000, it is the only one in the world in a subtropical forest.
If you are able to climb, but afraid of heights, I’ll be encouraging; it’s really not all that high in the air! (How’s that?). I’ve been up and through the Myakka Canopy Walkway a number of times and it’s not very scary at all. You can do it!
It’s quite peaceful and sort of like an environmental Laboratory up there, where, if you’re lucky, you can see the inhabitants of the tree tops up close and personal in their natural habitats. Until Canopy Walks such as this one came along it was difficult for scientists to observe life in the tree tops.
If you'd like to learn more about the Canopy Walkways of the world, click on the following link (which will open another window on your computer, so make sure to have your pop-up blocker turned off) and enjoy! The International Canopy Network The Myakka Observation TowerJust past the canopy walk you’ll find the stairway to the Observation Tower, some 74 feet into the air. You can walk up to the top of the observation deck and look out for miles over the Myakka Lake and River and the landscape of Florida. From atop you can view the wetlands, forest and prairie.
From 74 feet in the air looking over the acres of Myakka River State Park you’ll see spectacular views of the land and forests below. You can also watch eagles, hawks, vultures and other birds soar over Myakka. Now, if you’re afraid of heights, this might be one for you to sit out!
Atop the Observation Tower you can feel the tower sway slightly in the wind. This experience may not be for everyone and there are nearby benches to sit down on and wait for others who may decide to climb up the tower. But most folks don’t have trouble with it.
Atop the Observation Tower there is a coin-operated high powered telescope from which to view the park, but don’t forget to bring along your binoculars and camera. Directions: You’ll find the Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower on the Myakka Nature Trail which is on the right side of Park Drive, if you're just driving in from the park's entrance gate. Just follow the main road to the trail. Then once on the nature trail, follow the trail until you come upon the Canopy Walkway and Observation Tower. Return from Myakka Canopy Walkway to Myakka River State Park.
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