Exploratory Hike to Deep Hole @ MRSP

This hike is for people who have wilderness hiking experience. Read the description in its entirety before signing up.

This is an exploratory hike as I haven't been to the area in many years. It'd be good to have a few people join me to look out for wild animals and directional signs. I hope to add this as a regular event next fall and winter.

Deep Hole is a large sink hole a little west of Myakka River State Park (MRSP). It requires a permit to enter the area and only 30 are issued each day, so it's necessary to arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens to increase the chance of getting a spot. They've been filling up by 8:30. The hike is about 4.5 miles round trip. There is an optional hike to the lower lake if interested.

During the winter and early spring Deep Hole has one of the largest concentrations of alligators in the area, so if you're afraid of seeing alligators this isn't the hike for you.

Plan to arrive at the park at 7:30. It opens at 8. When you get to the ranger's station to pay, tell the attendant that you want a wilderness preserve permit for Deep Hole. You can't enter Deep Hole without a wilderness permit.

FEES: $4 for a single driver, $6 for 2 or more in a car. The wilderness permit is free.

After paying and getting your permit, drive past the ranger station and take the first left into a large parking lot. We'll wait there for everyone else and then leave for the wilderness preserve outside the park.

BRING: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug repellent, trail runners or hiking shoes, hat, etc.

We can return to the park for lunch after the hike if you're interested. The hike should be finished by 11:30.