Manager's Message

Tina Miller, Park Manager

A quick trip from Tampa or St. Pete brings you to Little Manatee River State Park, a great place to unplug and unwind near Interstate 75. 

The beauty of this park can be experienced many ways - have a picnic or go hiking, horseback riding or paddling. And if you want to do all three, there is a campground with vegetated buffers between the sites and equestrian spots for your horse to stay with you, too. Stay a few days and take your time to really explore the beauty and unique natural communities found in this park.

There are shorter trails with great views of the river in the southern portion of the park for those who prefer shorter hikes. If you desire more of a challenge, try the moderately strenuous hike at the north trail where you can hike 6.5 miles through hammock, bottomland forest, flatwoods, scrub and sand hill  with elevation changes of 35 feet up and down and from full shade to full sun. If you bring water, lunch and the other usual gear like sunscreen and bug repellent and wear those hiking shoes, you’ll leave the trail knowing you have had a great adventure.

Horseback riding is an enjoyable way to experience Little Manatee River State Park. Your views of the natural beauty of the park and its vistas can be experienced from an entirely different perspective on horseback. With over 15 miles of equestrian trails and several enhanced trail features to challenge you and your horse, this a great place to go trail riding for one day or several.

One of the reasons this is a state park is the Little Manatee River, a pristine blackwater river that flows through the park for more than 5 miles. Each time you paddle this river you can have a new experience. The river is constantly changing its course, the depth, obstacles to paddle around and the speed. One time you could have a leisurely paddle with clear black water over white sandy bottom riverbed and the next time you could be moving a bit more swiftly and be joined by manatees nibbling on riverbank vegetation.

You are welcome to launch your own canoe or kayak to paddle on the river. If you are interested in a one-way trip or need to rent a canoe or kayak, contact our partner, Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River. They are located just outside the park on U.S. 301 and offer paddle excursions with pick-up service.

There are many reasons to visit Little Manatee River State Park, whether it be the tranquility or the activities. Whatever brings you here, our team of rangers and volunteers look forward to meeting you and helping you have the best possible visit to the Real Florida.