Nestled off the road in a hardwood hammock, visitors can view the park from another perspective – that of in and above the treetops. Climb the tower and look down on the tops of oaks and Sabal palms that go on for what seems like miles. The walkway is suspended 25 feet above the ground and extends 100 feet through the hammock canopy. The taller tower soars 74 feet in the air to present a spectacular view of treetops, wetlands and the prairie/hammock interface. You can look down on eagles, hawks, vultures, and the tops of Live Oak and Sabal Palm trees.

The Canopy Walkway is one of several major draws to the park and you can imagine what an experience like this adds to a park visit.  As such, for the last 20 years, thousands of people have come to discover and immerse themselves in the canopy.  It not only is a breathtaking experience (the climb, the bridge, and the view), but it also serves as an outdoor laboratory for research and education, it is a place for discovery and provides an opportunity for visitors to see canopy inhabitants up close.

The Myakka Canopy Walkway was the inspiration of canopy scientist Dr. Margaret D. Lowman, Executive Director of TREE Foundation. It is the result of a unique partnership among the Florida Park Service, Friends of Myakka River, TREE Foundation, The Selby Foundation and other local sponsors. Completed in 2000, this structure is the first public treetop trail in North America.

Although the original construction was funded by numerous donors and grants, the canopy walkway requires annual inspections and maintenance to ensure it remains a safe experience for the past 20 years and many more to come. It's safety and maintenance are a priority of the Friends and your donations will help us in this effort.  Donate a small gift to help us care of the canopy walk.