Little Manatee River State Park North Trail Head

You can still hike even though it says closed. Most of the trail markers are gone. All the bridges except one can be bypassed and it is still holding up. Posting pictures of bad bridges.

Too bad this beautiful trail has been closed for a while following the 2024 hurricane, but restoration is currently in progress. I recently went back through some of my old photos and was reminded just how special this place is. The North Trailhead offers access to more than six miles of scenic loop trails winding along the Little Manatee River. The diversity of ecosystems here is incredible: shady river hammocks, open pine flatwoods, palmetto understory, and quiet stretches where the river bends and slows into sandy banks and creeks. Wildlife sightings are common, and the shifting light and wind through the trees makes every walk feel different. In many ways, the experience rivals trails at Hillsborough River State Park — long, immersive, and deeply connected to the river corridor. I can’t wait until the bridges and infrastructure are fully restored. This is truly one of the best natural escapes in the Hillsborough–Manatee area, and it will be wonderful to see it open and thriving again.

I do a lot of hiking in state parks on the west coast of Florida, and this trail is second to none. There are a variety of beautiful habitats, verdant green ferns, and incredible wildflowers. Amazing views of the beautiful river from the bluffs along the banks. I've seen manatees, alligators, river otters, gopher tortoises, turtles, deer, Eastern lubber grasshoppers, sparrows, and barred owls, to name a few of wildlife, birds, and unique insects along the trail. I just hiked this trail on Saturday, July 12. Be advised that the trail is extremely overgrown with high grass currently and the trail markers can be difficult to locate. I've hiked this trail probably a dozen times and got lost twice due to the present conditions. Currently, I would only hike this trail if you're an experienced hiker. However, it's still a beautiful hike.

Super cool trail! 6.5 mile loop. The bridges definitely need to be re-built - it is only a matter of time!!! You go through many different habitats - all different. There is a primitive campsite at 2.5 mile marker. Saw deer, tortoise, diamond back rattle snake, the water is very clear, lots of wasp galls (used to make our first permanent ink - Declaration of Independence). Wear shoes and do not forget bug spray!!!!!

This is one of the better trails I've walked in Central Florida. The walk along the Manatee River was the most scenic part. It's true that some of the wood structures need to be repaired, but that is only the short boardwalk going to the loop. The back end of the loop was a little more muddy than I expected for this time of year. Overall, it was a nice hike. I'll come back with my family next time.