Overview

The Little Manatee River Trail, one of Central Florida’s most beautiful hiking trails, provides hikers with a whirlwind lesson in Florida habitats as it traverses an incredible amount of botanical diversity along the north shore of the Little Manatee River. Hikers have the option of a short (3 mile) hike out to Cypress Creek and back, or the more rewarding 6.3 mile loop, which includes a primitive campsite set amid the longleaf pines.

As you walk from the trailhead to the loop, enjoy the lush carpet of ferns that surrounds the footpath. Walk counterclockwise around the loop for optimal effect as the trail leads you through oak hammocks, scrubby flatwoods, and stands of tall sand pines before you drop down several hills to reach Cypress Creek, a clear sand-bottomed stream that flows through a tunnel of vegetation to meet the river. Past the campsite, the trail turns to the south and begins its turn towards the river, scrambling through floodplain channels and rounding oxbow swamps. The trail follows the rugged river bluffs for nearly three miles, with excellent views of the swift tannic water and the kayakers who float down it. The last portion of the trail crosses a meadow, where raspberry bushes and wildflowers flourish, before completing the loop.

The main portion of the park is located south of the river and includes a campground, canoe and kayak rental, equestrian trails, and a picnic area.

Map

Little Manatee River State Park is 4.5 miles south of Sun City Center along US 301.

Purchase map South 2 

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Hikers must sign in at the entrance ranger station, located off Lightfoot Rd. Request the gate combination to access the hiking trail parking area. The parking area is 3 miles north of the park entrance and 0.25 mile north of the US 301 bridge over the Little Manatee River on the left. It is not marked but the gate is obvious.

Conditions

More than six types of habitats along the 6-mile loop, including a walk along the bluffs of the Little Manatee River.  

Precautions

The hiking trail has orange blazes, and the trail to the campsite is blazed blue. There is no water at the campsite. Stop at Cypress Creek to obtain water, which must be treated before using.

Restrictions

 State park fee. Park hours 8-sunset. On the hiking trail, camp only at the primitive campsite, which must be reserved when you visit the ranger station.  {

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Little Manatee River State Park

South 2 Loop Trails

Tampa Bay Tourism

50 Hikes in Central Florida

Florida Hikes! Little Manatee River Hiking Trail