Myakahatchee Enviromental Park

Myakahatchee Enviromental Park

	Myakahatchee Enviromental Park
Location:	Florida
Nearest Town:	North Port
Directions to Trailhead:	I-75 to Exit 32 (Sumter Blvd exit) Go North on Sumter to the end (approx 1 mile) Take left on Tropicare; go over small bridge and take 1st right; Park is about 1/2 mile down the road on the right. When in the parking lot you will start to head in a Southerly direction - making your way back over the road/ bridge that you came in on. Don't let this "first little leg" of the trial get you down - this is just to get you to the "good stuff" ! Keep on your Southerly, following the travel of the creek (Myakahatchee) untill you go under I-75 (sand pits!) and then the fun begins. Keep to the left and you won't get lost. (wink)
Trail Description:	Singletrack. Sporatic elevations of approx 6' and up on the trail itself which parralel creek banks with dropoffs of up to 15 ' . knarled root ridden sections w/ tight twists and turns. Natural log dropouts, & dropoffs. Combo of hard pack / lime bed creek. Some Sugar sand straights. 1st off - The trail directions above are meant simply to get an out of towner into the vicinity - alot of the locals start the trailheads in places that I cannot even begin to describe directions too - (there are no land refferances; Mcdonalds etc. Boonies!! The 1st leg of the trail above is an "as fast as you'd like" canopied covered and open trail with mainly hardpack; some sugar traps; and a few easy cuts/ ditches to go through. All in all it's about 1 1/2 miles until you reach I-75 @ that point you start to get into the real trailhead, and the further you go the better it gets! After you breach I-75 it starts to unfold before you. You'll ride under canopy, winding in and out between some pretty fast & smooth; & some pretty rooty cutt up semi tight & tight cuts. Don't get carried away until you know the trail or you may be carried off it. There are some nice little surprises, the first is a hard right coming off of a 4 foot rooted drop onto a very rustic makeshift bridge crossing a feeder stream that you can't see until your upon it - I've seen plenty of rims bent up here! After that it get's good! We cut in new routes every once in awhile, mostly to circumvent the sand traps.. most of the trails here were cut out tightly to prevent the Motorcyclist from loosening it up for us, we've also got about a twenty inch homebuilt bridge that carries us about 12 feet above and twenty feet across the creek to the "2nd loop". We ride every Wed. starting @ 6 PM if we're not riding elswhere, and I for one would be glad to show anyone the "way in". In our area there is nothing that compares.. & we've got guys coming in from Ft. Myers/Naples to Tampa/ St.Pete (approx. 75 Miles out) This is not a bike Park ! There is no addmission, and there are no facilities, if you break your collar bone out here, your screwed. If we catch you screwing it up or littering you be beaten with an ole Tioga Pyscho knoby!!! If your in the area and love to bike you might be a freaken fool to pass it up. There's plenty of diversity here! It is as technicall as you'd like - if you don't think so shift up and lead on - if you don't like it I'll give your money back. (wink) Regular loop out and back - up to 9 miles 2nd loop (other side of creek) - up to 9 miles The best of the two combined; out and back about 9 miles
Trail Length:	up to 20 miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack
Skill Level:	Advanced
Submitted By:	Chris

Ryan from Woodstock,Ontario,Canada Date: March 30, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I-75 to old exit#33 west into North Port.Just before the "North Port" sign/foutain park on the right at the beggining of the sidewalk.From there ride west to the first street on the right and follow that north untill you see the entrance to another parking area(I did'nt park there looked like a good place to get your vehicle broken into.) The trail head is right there on the north side of the parking area.This is were the single track begins! Other recommended trails in the same area: Dont know this is the only place I rode in the week I was down for March break,and it sure was nice to ride with out the studs after a long winter!!
Review: Good single track twists and winds west for about 5 miles,this is big ring material in alot of it very fast cornering is required,some low branches watch your camelback.There a few off shoot trails that are small ring very tight and very rooted,the main trail runs along beside these so they are optional.There are some nice natural terrain jumps along the trail so be ready for some air.I only found one man made tree bridge with a pretty steep exit,you can ride right around it though.The trail ends when you come out of the woods and it looks as if your riding into someones yard thre is a turn around trail at the top of the ridge to the left,it will bring you back onto the main trail.About 2 thirds of the way back look for a little bridge to get to the north side of the river.The trail on the north side is very similar to the south but seems to have a few more man made balance testers.Very fun and fast!	Overall Rating:

chris from pinellas park Date: March 19, 2003 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: south on hwy 75 to northport exit (PAST VENICE) Other recommended trails in the same area: ALAFIA'BOYETTE
Review: THIS TRAIL IS ACTUALY TWO TRAILS THE NORTH SIDE IS GREAT FUN AND PRETTY TOUGH AT TIMES THE SOUTH SIDE HAS SOME NORTH SHORE TYPE STUNTS AND I WOULD RECOMEND THIS TRAIL TO ANY ONE WHO IS LIKE ME....GETTING BOARD WITH ALL THE SAME TRAILS ALL THE TIME (AKA ALAFIA'CARTER ROAD'BELVIEW)THESE TRAILS ARE OUT OF THE WAY AND A GREAT DAY OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT.	Overall Rating:

Pete from Naples, Florida, USA Date: December 30, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: North from Price Blvd. or South from Myakahatchee park entrace. Other recommended trails in the same area: none
Review: I went south from Lady Slipper staying on the east side of the river. Its a good trail with lots of cut backs, exposed roots, and a few drop-offs. Definitely better than Caloosahtchee which was unpassable when I was there in the fall. I got did get cut off at the weir as there were some loose and unfriendly dogs about. I didn't get real close but it looked like the trail went through someone's yard. I didn't see any crossing over the river which was at least a few feet deep in most places.I rode back to Lady Slipper and drove down to Price Blvd. A bridge a bit north of Price lets you use both sides of the trail. The "root" section south of the weir on the east side of the river is pretty tough. This a secluded trail, particularly the north section. I didn't get any cell phone signal when I drove up to the Myakahatchee Park entrace although the signal came back around Lady Slipper and Price. Definitely a trail to ride with a buddy. I saw only one group of kids at the south end the entire morning.	Overall Rating:

slim from North Port, FL Date: December 16, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: There are 4 places to start this trail. You can follw the directions above and start at the very top, which means some road riding and probably having to turn around when it's wet because the river is over the trail. Or you can take the first LEFT after the bridge on Tropicare and follow that back to I-75 where the trail actually starts. Or you can park at Lady Slipper park by heading south on Sumter and west on Lady Slipper road. This trail is on the opposite side of the river and is much more technical. You can also park at the baseball fields off of Price Blvd and catch either trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a great trail. If you are not a great rider then opt for the trail that runs on the NORTH side of the river. If you like roots and tight turns try the SOUTH of the river trail. There once was a bridge to connect the two trails, now you have to walk the river, if you want to ride both sides. Either trail is a good ride and I don't have the legs to ride both sides on the same day. It is hard to get lost and there is an ATV trail that follows the same route as the single track, so if you get tired you can cruise back on the ATV trail. There are always people riding, just about every afternoon and always lots on the weekends. Just come down and check it out.	Overall Rating:

Scott from Venice Date: October 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: 75 2 sumter 2 ladyslipper and into park, as usual. Other recommended trails in the same area: gas up and go; it's at least an hour in any direction for something good.
Review: Well riders it's been a wet summer. The trail is dry now however,and in need of some serious maintinence!!!!!!!!!! Washouts have been minimal, a few down trees and LOTS.... of brush and weeds that have grown like mad!!!!!!!!!!!! The trail needs a good trim and we need to get to work on a new bridge over the main creek!!!!! On a VERY sad note, some of our great trail has fallen forever to the developers dozers. This is probably not the last of it that will get the ax either!!!!! Right now it is a small area about 175 ft. across; it lies between the dam and Price blvd. just after our famed "Gauntlet" root section. Many people won't miss this spot(they have been by-passing it anyway, too tough) It has been unrideable to many and a formatable challenge to all others who have set wheels on it. The "Gauntlet's" days are numbered; it will be missed!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you havn't rode south of the dam in awhile or never rode that section before you should!!!!!!!! This section of ride is "classic Northport Trail riding". Give it a ride soon, before long there may be no trail there to follow!! WE WILL go around, thru or over the new development, but it just won't be the same as our sweet old trail that stands today!!!!!!! A huge thanks to everyone that helps build and maintain this and all sections of "The Trail", there's alot of memories rolling around in those woods!!!!!!!!! This is a great fl. trail, we should know, we built it, we ride it, and we love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ride Clean, Ride Hard SCOTT	Overall Rating:

Lee from Naples Date: September 10, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: New I-75 exit number for Sumpter is exit #182 (old 33). left to Lady Slipper. Follow around to Trailhead on left. Can't miss it. Nice parking here, lots of shade Other recommended trails in the same area: Are there any?
Review: I love this trail. The best I have ridden in South Fla. Not really advanced as I was informed, but has some nice technical sections and good flow, not for the novice either. Take your time and learn the trail before shredding this one, it has the ability to eat you up. Lots of roots, tight turns, quick drops....just a great all around singletrack for this area. Stay to the trails closest to the river for lots of fun! Highly recomended! Thanks to the guys who put this together.	Overall Rating:

smc from ft.myers Date: July 9, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: I-75,turn on exit 33! Other recommended trails in the same area: There are none! This is the only trail in the area that is worth riding.
Review: This trail is awesome. It is by far the most technical trail in S.Fl. Bring lots of water. There are some cool stunts and bridges. Most of the riding is under canopy which is cool. It would be nice if the trails were marked. It would be easy to get lost. Some of the root trails are really technical and if you are a weekend rider stick to the wider trails. Most of the trails are singletrack and very technical. I wish there was more jumps and stunts.	Overall Rating:

Eric from Punta Gorda Date: June 6, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Via 75 exit 33 "Sumter" take it west towards 41 about 1/2 mile take a right on Lady slipper follow it 1 1/2 miles around until the road turns into clay and keep going... until you see Sarasota park sign on your left under a canopy of trails there's a parking area and voila enjoy the ride Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Recommended Gear: Suspension bike. Minimum of 70+ oz of "drinkable" fluids... Skill level= Recreational to Advance I've ridden the "red trails fo Santos" how challenging can an 11 mile trail be in North Port? HMMM Twists and turns, dips and drops, creek banks, canopy coverage all threaded by a mixture of hardpack and a sprinkling of sugar sand to keep your heart rate up. All just enough to challenge your balance as well as your mental state. Most of the technical sections have bailout points or detours. Great effort has gone into grooming and the building of bridges that span across gulleys and creekbeds as well as some balance beams manmade and organic. The Trail is mostly under canopy, and being the first riders of the day didn't notice any major spider webs (a plus for those who have experienced the "Giant Spider webs in central FL". The trailhead follows a main creek bed with twists and turns of single track that appear to overlay a double wide trail. You end up at a spill way which marks about 1/3 of the total length. The remaining trail was a little difficult to remember having run out of fluids... but from what I learned is there is an access point at some ball fields that is about the half-way mark which allows one to ride either way. Overall the ride was awesome, and I'm stoked that it is so close to home. I will respect the need for fluids and have a new appreciation for suspension bikes. And last but not least... please respect the trail and the effort that has gone into it by the local riders.	Overall Rating:

Bernie from Englewood Fl. Date: May 31, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Sumter to ladyslipper to the park.Or to those who cut out roots stay on sidewalk! Other recommended trails in the same area: santos hardrock
Review: I ride 2 times a week and I think the trails were great until some of the best root obsticales were cut out .This needs to stop before all our hardwork time and money is lost.Please spread the word that this is not proper etiquette! I rode wednesday night.All I can say now is we need rain.And thank you to all those who follow proper etiquette when maintaining and ridinig OUR trails!Experienced riders go south inexperienced go north.(ROOT ROBBERS!!)You know who you are.	Overall Rating:

Scott from venice Date: May 29, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: same as always Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Well the trail has been riding real nice lately, a little rain packed down the sand a bit and a recent trim has most head-level brush out of the way!! That's where the good news ends I'm afraid. The bridge over the main creek has been cut down, not sure of who's behind that move; but I do know that some worthless piece of !#& that would call themselves mt. bikers has decided that the trail has several obstacles that give them TOO MUCH TROUBLE; so without a care they just hacked them away...GONE...!! This kind of thing is inexcusable!!!!!! A rider has 4 options at every obstacle: 1)try to ride it 2)walk your bike over it (no shame there) 3)make a alternate trail around it 4)or RIDE SOMEPLACE ELSE !!!!!!!! Cutting the trail to your own selfish needs is NOT A OPTION!!!!!!!!!! These trails were made by REAL mt. bikers and are maintained by REAL mt. bikers. Many people enjoy the challenges presented by these types of obstacles on the trail, they sharpen a riders skills!!!! Ride the trail regularly and you WILL improve!!!! Hack the trail and you WILL stay the same worthless piece of #&! that's screwing up the trail right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you know this person, straighten them out!!! this problem needs to be taken care of if we are to continue to keep this a quality riding area!!!!!!! RIDE CLEAN, RIDE HARD Scott	Overall Rating:

Tom from Port Charlotte, FL Date: April 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: That address is http://www.northporttrails.org My typing is horrible! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: North Port Trails .org	Overall Rating:

Tom from Port Charlotte, FL Date: April 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Park at either Lady Slipper or at the Myakahatchee Park. If you park at Lady Slipper keep the stream on your right. If you park athe Myakahatchee keep the stream on your left untill you cross the bridge, from there head to the dam, cross the dam and hit up the root section. If you make it past that ride south of Price and bring your 1st aid kit. Other recommended trails in the same area: The TOE and Croom loop 3.
Review: 1st go check out http://www.northporttrials.org and get involved with this awesome trail, then read my review! Awesome trail. Many kudos to those who have crafted this awesome ride. I found it by accident and now I ride it every Sunday! The trail has many sections with different skill levels so you will always be challanged! Please don't ruin the trail by littering and cutting parts down. If you want to help make the trail better, get involved!	Overall Rating:

scott from venice Date: March 27, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: sumter to ladyslipper, same as always Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: well we just checked out that freeride comp. this past weekend in lakeland at the "TOE". It was pretty damn cool!!!!! An insane course with some excelent riders from around the state!! Several of us Venice locals and some of the Sarasota guys did the trip up there. After the comp we rode the course a wee bit, some very sketchy bridges that dropped off BIG onto downhills, teeter-totters, narrow planks and a large finish line jump!!!! Excellent tec. layout!!!! the main TOE trails were a blast too; lots of flowing ups and downs, steep climbs and decents, jumps and bridges too. Great place to ride if you like the tough stuff.You have to be a member of "Ridge Riders" though. Well worth it I think. Damn, forgot the Northport review The trail has been riding real nice, raking and trimming has old stuff looking new and the new stuff is breaking in nicely!!! thumbs up to everyone envolved A new muti-option bridge makes an EXCELLENT addition. Yea yea yea we don't have any giant hills or pits like some of the other florida hot spots; but I think this place is "The Shit" just the same!! It's tough to beat a place like this less than a half hour from home; I love this place!!! Good to see other people responding here! we ride Wed. after work and sun. around 9am hook up with us then for a ride and info on the next possible trim session. RIDE CLEAN RIDE HARD scott out.	Overall Rating:

Jeff from Venice Date: March 27, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I75 west on Sumter, right on Lady Slipper Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Great trails. Appreciate the hard work that went into their creation and maintenance. If you want a trail that is a challenge this is it. If you can make it over the tech sections walk it don't hack it to make it "easier" or better yet keep your wimpy butt on the sidewalk. Love the newer trails west of Price. If I ever make it all 11 miles of trails without a foot down.....what the hell am I talking about, that will never happen. When do you guys clear/clean trails?	Overall Rating:

kevin from bradenton Date: February 17, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: see other review's, i found it by chance. Other recommended trails in the same area: the trail out by sun city is called balm boyet. tame compaired to this one. lot's of sugar sand, fairly flat but well maintained.
Review: my complements to the builder's. haven't ridden roots like that in a long time. nice and twisty with some sick drops!! found the really sick section south of price road last week, just didn't have the brass swinger's with me that day. road that section today, and the scrapes and cracked knee cap make it a painful but worthwhile ride. rating; two broken legs up!! please do not ride the southern most section without a full suspension, minimum four inches front and rear. don't say i didn't warn you!!!!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

scott from venice, FL Date: February 4, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I just looked at the original review and noticed that it is for the old parking area. Now take "ladyslipper" (just south of I-75 off Sumter) around in a semi-circle and look for the parking area under the oaks on the left. Other recommended trails in the same area: I've heard "alahfia" (clueless on the spelling) up by sun city center is real nice; and I'm looking forward to riding there soon! It's still an hour plus away though..
Review: Well I'll start this piece out on a better note than the last!! We have some new trail sections since my last installment! Another group of locals we ride with have been putting in some "Quality Time" on trail work!!!!!! Some new tec. sections and ridge trails make excellent additions to a already fine ride heading south along the creek!!!! The new lines were well scouted, with plenty tight,tec. stuff to keep things challenging and fun!!!! It's good to see that there are still riders out there who "blaze" with the trail as a whole in mind (instead of the types I commented about last time)!!!!! My hats off to all riders who help build and maintain this trail in a positive way!!!!! That's a wrap for this time and hey let's hear some feed back on this stuff? Positive, negetive? everyone's got a opinion right? Hell you don't even have to use your right name. Whatta ya chicken? It's as easy as falling off a log!!! (riders pun, totally intentional) RIDE CLEAN RIDE HARD scott out.........	Overall Rating:

scott from venice Date: January 15, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: same as always Other recommended trails in the same area: I don't recomend any of the new "hacked" side trails; unless your a sissy or a child under the age of 10.
Review: Well with the recent rains the trail has been well packed and riding SWEEEET!!! It is ready for a good trim and maintenance ride though. Low hanging branches and some overgrown sections in the lesser used back areas, need some attention. Anyone up for some of that action? I can't hear you, anyone? oh well looks like it's the usual crew again. But wait; what's this someone else has done some work? to the trail. What the hell is that!!!!!!!!!!!!?????? WHAT ARE YOU DOING? that is a good tecnical line AND a natural barrier to keep the quads out of that section. Now some yahoo went and bypassed the long-standing existing line and carved out a new path big enough for a #!$!#*& bus. Come on people, I know it was tough, no one made it through on a regular basis without at least dabbin a foot or two, but that made it challenging!!! Most of all that spot has thwarted (that means stopped) the dirt bikers and quads for a long time!! Yea it's nice to have trails that "flow" and all, but that was not the place to do it in this riders opinion!!!!!! Just so you don't think I'm bustin on any one individual or group; I'll spread some bitchin in other directions. Even worse than the previous is; whoever the cheese dick was that went and not made a alternate oh no, they just hacked up a nice little tec. root section right by the park. No easy bypass route hell no they just whacked the crap out of the moderately tec. spot just to their own liking ; now that's selfish!!! If that's your reaction to a spot like that, then the only mt. biking you should do is on your playstation you panty waist, sniveling little wuss. Well enough of that drum beating, it's just ashame to see the trail that the dedicated riders have worked so hard on and so many people now use, get screwed up by stuff like that!!!!!!!! All this has me itchin to ride , so I'm "outa here" Hope to have a more positive note on my next installment, and hey let's hear from some other riders!!! It's a free country, everyones intitled to their opinion!! I'd like to hear some other views, if anyone is actually listening....? RIDE CLEAN, RIDE HARD Scott	Overall Rating:

scott- from venice,FL. Date: October 28, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: same as the rest, sumter to ladyslipper to to parking area under the oaks. Other recommended trails in the same area: this is the cat's ass unless you have the time to pack up and drive an hour and a half or more in any direction. Give it a look.
Review: Well the trail is again rideable now that the rains have let up. Trop. storm Gabrielle left a hell of a mess here though. It left tons of debris on the trail brought down several big trees and caved in banks that were along the creek. We have been triming, clearing and cutting alternate routes around fallen trees slowly but surely! This process takes more time than it should however, although many people ride here, only a handfull make any regular effort to help with trail maintinence, clean-up or new route construction!!! The few, they know who they are, have done a great job making new bridges and trails and repairing and maintaining existing ones !!!!!!!!!!! Due to the highly unpredictable nature of the creek (which much of trail borders) during the rainy season; this trail is ever changing. This is a "double edged sword" tough to maintain but fun and different to ride!! The many drops, logs, banks, and rooted sections seem to change with every ride! A real plus in my book. I've heard some people say that the trails made within the past year (towards Price blvd) are too tight, rough or technical, even "unrideable". Well our response is: if you have a better route or idea come out and help scout, cut, and maintain these trails along side us! (this is not a pay or maintained area or trail) Or you could also ride where many "mt. bikers" around the country choose to ride, ON THE ROAD! No Thanks, you ride there we'll ride here! Anyone who is however interested in a fun, sometimes technically challenging trail can hook up with us between 5 and 6pm for a WED. night ride. (usually about 2 hrs.) We also ride in part at various times on the weekends! Just look for the guys covered with dirt and mosquito bites..... with bikes. See you on the trail! RIDE CLEAN, RIDE HARD Scott	Overall Rating:

scott from venice,FL Date: January 21, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: other routes are right on track Other recommended trails in the same area: this is pretty much it for about an hour in any direction
Review: From the ladyslipper parking area (facing the creek)the trails to the right are faster,wider and more open. Not much in the way of tec. stuff here; good for less experianced riders,and/or the wife and kids. Taking this side of the trail down past tropicare blvd. also adds considerable distance to the total lentgh of the trail as a whole. Riding left from the parking area heads you towards the tougher more challenging terrain. The wide sections of trail are often used by quads making some spots VERY sandy. This can often be bypassed by following the tighter trails that hug the banks of the creek. Plenty of roots,vines,stumps and washouts to keep you on your toes(and off your seat)!! That's a good thing in my book!!! Staying close to the creek will get you back on track if you miss the trail. You can cross the sloped concrete dam to continue on to even more sweet,technical riding. Note, the house just before the dam has dogs, this doesn't present a problem if you don't antagonize the dogs i.e. spitting water, kicking at them or blazing past the front of the driveway for example. A easy, smooth ride across the road out front, then down the left side to the dam get me by every time. The rest of the trail has plenty of tight and tec. singletrack. Lots of roots,stumps and trees with a few good drops, jumps and a bridge in there as well! This is the newest section of the trail. It was scouted, cut and is maintained by local riders!!!!! The trail ends around the price blvd. bridge area. On another note we have noticed broken bottles at the water spillways, increasing trash along the the trail, and short-cuts around obstacles on the singletrack. If any real mt. bikers catch someone in these shamefull acts, please stike them over the head with the nearest blunt object and roll them into the creek. This IS NOT a pay or county groomed trail!! We must keep it clean and mantained if the area is to stay legal to ride. RIDE CLEAN, RIDE HARD!!!!!!!!!	Overall Rating:

Sped from Naples, FL Date: July 29, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Try the alternate entrance. I found it pretty easily.Take a left off I-75 exit 33(going North). Take a right onto Lady Slipper and follow the road back until it turns left. Keep following it and around the next bend the parking lot is on the left about 100 yards. Other recommended trails in the same area: If anyone has any info on trails around Penn State, please email me about them.
Review: When you start go to the trail on the left(facing the creek). If you end up under I-75 overpass, you went the wrong way.(At least I couldn't find shit for a trail that way) It is a nice trail, lots of rolling mounds and roots. Some puddles are deeper than they appear, so watch out. Lots of vines to sniper bar-ends(not fun), and plenty of places to and to your war stories. All in all a funn trail to ride. Definitely beats anything around my neck of the woods. Well worth the hour drive. Try the yocal local swing rope while your there.	Overall Rating:

John from Port Charlotte Date: November 15, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Great palce to ride. If you don't want to drive to far Nort Port is great!!	Overall Rating:

Tony Conesa from Miami FLA. Date: November 2, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I'm not from the area, so i had no idea where i was going except for the schechy info that i got from the other reviews, and they are all different but i did find the place. It goes something like this: from I-75 get off on exit 33, go west to ladyslipper where you make a right and keep going straight, if you get lucky you will find an entrance to a shaded parking area that it very secluded. The parking area is circular with a big tree in the center, if you park facing the creek the "better" trail entrance will be on your left, as you face the creek. There is a trail that starts to the right as well, but it's not as good as the the left loop. Other recommended trails in the same area: I ride mostly Markham Park, Oleta River, Quiet Waters and have made two road trips to Tsali N.C., Hard Rock and Carter Park. Next year I'm planning a trip to MOAB!
Review: As you make your way thru the trail it can be very sandy in parts but it's not bad. The trail itself is beginner/intermediate level except for some of the creek crossings that can get very technical. I especially liked the long wooden bridge suspended about 10 to 12 feet above the creek by some 2x4's and stumps, but don't worry it's sturdy enough as long as you go one at a time. And heed the warning, it dropps off at the end about 3 feet, but you cant see how severe from the other side. I was caught off guard as i came off the bridge and didn't pick up the front end in time, i "ENDOED", but it was fun! When you make it off the bridge you can go left or right, the best sections are to the right. Lots of roots, a few nice dropoffs, and some cool creek crossings make this trail fun, good job to whoever builds and maintains this! Keep i up!	Overall Rating:

Chris from Venice, Fl Date: September 19, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Well... any of the above mentioned would do fine.. my personal favorite is not the lady slipper entrance, but the one off of exit 33, although we have been meeting off of the ladyslipper entrance since the onset of the rainy season. Other recommended trails in the same area: In this area, and to within a 100 mile radius or so, this is the shit! Bear in mind to those who've recomended Hardrock over this trail -- yeah, it's a no brainer in favor of hardrock, but that's two hours North of here!
Review: I just wanted to comment to the guy that questions the length of the trail. If you start out off of exit 33 and ride all the way to the backside of Price Blvd. you can cross the hardtop / bridge and then re-enter onto the trail on the other side of the Myakahatchee.. and when you come off that trail keeping left you then can cross the damn, or spillway... which recently has been rocken with calf to hip deep water. Anyway.. if you know your way around you can get the distances, but it's tough until you do.. again it's suggested to fall in with the "locals", but they are breed of their own. Gear up and hang on. And just a note in closing: The water is back down, so those chest deep crossings are a thing of the past. Cya there	Overall Rating:

Tommy from Va,,Fla Date: August 9, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: It is exit 33,,not 32,, you go west and not north. Other recommended trails in the same area: If the choice is between Hardrock and here as far as a exciting ride,, goto Ocala, but if you want nature and serene beauty,, go to Northport.
Review: The park is , as already said , beautiful. I have not felt that sort of isolation since riding in the mountains. It is a graet place to see and learn of the real side of Florida. This ride is somewhat technical although not to the degree in which you should be scared off. It was alot of fun. The trails are not clearly marked but if you have half a brain you can figure it all out. The only hint I will give is at the start, look for the wood ramp and john for your start.. other than that you'll find your way. The trail itself will force you to apy attention to it. it is tight and wickedly twisted. Even though it is flat and sometimes sandy, it is a quick trail to ride on. I do however question the nearly 18 mile length that is claimed.	Overall Rating:

Christian from Ft.Myers,Fl. Date: August 2, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Take I-75 north to exit 33.Take a left on Sumter.Go till you reach Lady Slipper Drive or Road and take a right.Take a right at the stop sign.Take a left at the next stop sign.Follow the deserted back roads to an alternate,seldom used park entrance.You will park feet from the trail. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: From this parking spot you can go left or right on the trail.The trail is quite technical,and rooted.There are numerous places to catch air,and improve your skill level.For my skill level this trail kicks ass,I hope the whole area is preserved because it is very beautiful.I plan to ride this trail at least once a week from now on.	Overall Rating:

Ted Harris from McLean, VA Date: July 26, 1999 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Same as above. Or come in at the Park on Price Blvd west of North Port Blvd (you get to cross the big spillway/dam first! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Technically, same as above. Equally important, I feel, is the breathtaking beauty of this almost primevil tropical forested creek. There is abundant wildlife (be careful) to complete the majesty. In my earlier years I, too, would have been more interested in stump jumping and vertical drops. But the magic of the cornucopia of trails which surround the Myakkahatchee also nourishes our more contemplative and spiritual natures at a pace all can handle. The sugar sand in spots, while a pain to some, also encourages us to dismount and enjoy an even closer sense of nature. I hope these trails are not abused. Already, real estate developers are closing in on this magnificent fresh water flood plain. So I share my thoughts, in part, to not only trumpet wonderfull trails, but at the same time encourage those who share my feelings to get involved with the Park and its preservation. PS: I showed up one Wednesday evening for a ride with the group and those guys nearly killed me before I remembered that there was "something back at the house that I forgot to do." My eternal thanks.	Overall Rating:

Rick from Sarasota Date: June 10, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Directions above sum it up Other recommended trails in the same area: The nearest to us would have to be Brooksville or Mulbery (sp?)
Review: Well I think this trails definately rocks the area. I'm glad it's been kept in the dark as long as it has been and hope that it doesn't get to much traffic, but, it is kewwwwwwL! Smooth ; rough; rooted; twisted; cut in and out along the creeks bank for miles.. places to get some good Air, drops, technical sections, ridges that drop out along the creek; crossovers in, over; and through the creek. Thumbs up.	Overall Rating: