Deer Prairie Creek Preserve South

M. S.

Great place to see natural Florida, for now. Thanks Sarasota County for working so diligently to destroy this, your efforts are not going un-noticed.

Brad Loncar

As you drive in from the entrance road there is a kayak launch for the Myakka River on your left and a very large free parking lot on the right. Straight ahead is a kayak launch for Deer Prairie Creek and some nice benches and covered picnic tables to enjoy the view. I did see a couple of very large gators swimming together in here so be careful. For the trails, be sure to grab a paper map at the sign near the parking lot (thankfully they had many) because while the trails are marked, it’s not as prominent as others and it can be a little confusing back there. There are two main trails: the Short Loop Trail (1.9 m) and Long Loop Trail (3.5 m). I did the long loop and it took me about 1 hour 15 min. The trail felt mostly like a utility road (and sometimes like a grassy utility highway) but there was one stretch in the northwest section that was more primitive and beautiful. I did this walk myself and have to admit it might not have been the best idea as I did feel nervous at moments. Though I didn’t see any wildlife.

Rachel Roberts

Attempted the hiking loop but had to turn around halfway due to the trails being flooded. No shade at all whatsoever so probably won’t be back. Cute dam though.

Michael Alan Hughes

Fun place to hike and see wild life. We saw Alligator, Armadillos, squirrels, rabbits, black wild pig and a tortoises. Small portions of the trail was under water. It never got above our knee and was usually only ankle deep. We hiked 6 miles. When we first got there we came across a large group of kayakers exiting the river and when we got back there were fisherman fishing the banks.