RECREATION SPOTS

Hiking and biking trails as well as kayaking and canoeing options in and around Manatee County are plentiful, all offering slightly different trail lengths and terrain types.

Robinson Preserve

Located at 1704 99th Street NW. Heading toward the beaches, take a right on 75th Street and head north, then turn left on 17th Avenue North Robinson’s Preserve is on the corner of 17th and 99th.

Emerson Point Preserve

From Bradenton, take U.S. 41 north across Manatee River, then turn left on 10th Street, heading west. Turn right on Tarpon and follow the signs west to Emerson Point Preserve, which is at the end of Snead Island.

Lake Manatee State Park

Head east on S.R. 64 and look for the signs on the left. The entrance to the trails are about one mile east of the park.

Rays Canoe Hideaway

Go east on S.R. 64 and turn left on Upper Manatee River Road. The road will wind north, then east. Turn left on Hagle Park Road and take it to the end.

Coquina BayWalk

Take Manatee Avenue toward the beaches, then turn left and head south on Gulf Drive. After about 3.5 miles, look for the signs on the left.

Myakka River State Park

From Bradenton, take I-75 south. Take exit 205, S.R. 72 east and into the park to the main gate.

Guided kayaking tours

The American Littoral Society offers guided kayaking tours of Myakka River State Park, Bird Key, Sister Key, Longboat Key and elsewhere on a regular basis. Listings of current offerings can be found in the Herald’s Weekend section in the Outdoors chapter.