Hike to Mossy Hammock at Myakka River State Park

Sunday morning and we have the day off. What to do?

Well, there are 39+ miles of official trails in this park and the Mossy Hammock trail was yet unconquered.

Small insect along the trail
And was I ever glad it was small!

And, it had been a week or so since the last hike into the back country at Myakka River State Park and this was a perfect morning for a walk.   Well, in truth, I had walked a small section but not to the Mossy Hammock campground.  Yes, this was the walk for today.

Mossy Hammock Trail

Having only a few hours we set off at Fox High Road, one of my favorite roads in the park, and were quickly on the foot trail. Sorry, bicyclists this trail is reserved for hiking.

Through the wooded canopy

In this area the trail passes through a heavy canopy of leaves and rambles along a stream that eventually feeds into the Upper Myakka Lake. Being spring the birds were chirping while butterflies and insects darted through the brush. From this trail head, the walk to Mossy Hammock trail is relatively short and with the beautiful trail we arrived almost before we started.

Interesting fungus along the trail
Note the algae(?) on the white mushroom

After a brief stop at the back-packcamping area we continued along the trail. After a bit the terrain changes and the trail enters the Florida dry prairie, an area of scrub palmetto and short oaks. 

The Florida Dry Prairie
on the trail

 Here the Red Shouldered Hawks, Eagles, and Kites soared overhead while the Black and White Sparrow, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Mockingbird, and other song birds entertained us at eye level.  Showy small flowers dotted the ground along with a few larger prairie offerings.

Bell-like flowers in the palmettos

Fetterbush(?) in Bloom
on the Dry Prairie

Not wanting a long walk we opted to return on the broader service roads which offer less shade but equally interesting views. It is amazing that we returned on my favorite roads Fox Low which meets Fox High at sharp angles (better slow down for the turn).

Fox Low Road

 Better yet, return to Fox High from Fox Low on the hiking trail that joins the two roads nearer the park road.  The narrower trail provides opportunity for additional photos and a relaxed return to 'society'.

Along the return trail that joins
Fox Low and Fox High roads