Eastern Ranchlands North Trailhead 17004 Florida 72, Myakka City, FL 34251

"Just Lovely"

"Great trails. Finally marked well.. easy to follow for hikers and horses. Many improvements slow and steady.."

"The Trail Head is for parking for Big Slough Preserve. Only about 3 cars would fill it up. A couple trucks with horse trailers would fill the truck lot. This preserve is 17 miles east of I 75. It borders Myakka River State Park and Carlton Preserve. It is 4744 acres and the other s are over 50,000 acres. There are over 120 miles of hiking trails. Bikes and horses are allowed on most of the trails. The trails/fire roads are grass and are mowed in the fall. These are NOT flop flop trails. I saw a mother gater with her babies. I to detour. I saw a deer an about 10 turkey. I saw about a dozen different kinds of birds. There are game trails every where. Must be great wildlife viewing morning and evening. There is No water, NO restrooms, NO tables or benches, NO trash cans."

"Thank you Sarasota county for the new parking lot to access the Eastern Ranchlands. The trails are very well marked and maintained. It is a joy to ride the miles and miles of trails that connect to Myakka River State Park and the Carlton Reserve. Even though 12 miles is about my limit, I love the thought that I could ride all the way down to Venice and Deer Prairie. We are so lucky to have public access to natural areas for recreation. Keep up the great work Sarasota County !"

"Very nice hike old fl turkey deer bobcat and pigs nice to be able to walk on ranch land thank you so much"