Trip Cancelled: Oleno Camping & State Parks Exploring Northeast Region

Trip is cancelled. Rescheduled in September. Trip was requested to coordinate with Suwannee Paddling trip which was cancelled.

'Here is some info on possible local activities for posterity.

North Gainesville/Alachua (half hour away) Trio:

Devils Milhopper is in Gainesville. It is closed Mon and Tues. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/default.cfm) Sinkhole, lots of Steps to get down. Dog friendly.

Dudley Farm -Working farm. Picnic, Nature trail see buildings & exhibits (http://www.floridastateparks.org/dudleyfarm/default.cfm)

San Felasco Hammock -Prairie, Hardwood Hammock. TONS of SHADED trails. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/sanfelascohammock/default.cfm)

Folk Festival: (40 minutes).

Stephen Foster Cultural Center. Folk Fest Fri Sat Sun. Can visit other days, too. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/default.cfm)

Local area:

Rum Island (on Santa Fe) Picnic, Swim in Spring.

O'Leno and River Rise: Hike, Swim in River. Short paddle.

Ichetucknee Springs is fifteen minutes away. short hike, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/default.cfm)

Short drive:

Lafayette Blue Springs. Hiking open. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/lafayettebluesprings/default.cfm) Check for updates on Springs.

Big Shoals (http://www.floridastateparks.org/bigshoals/default.cfm) -Look over Bluffs.

Where we are staying:

O'leno State Park. (http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/)

"O'Leno State Park

Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants. The shady, full-facility campground is the perfect place for a relaxing overnight stay. Located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs."

Our plan is to explore State Parks (day trips) in the region, and use Oleno State Park as a home base. Parks we are possibly going to include Big Shoals, Stephen Foster, Ichetucknee Springs, Lafayette Blue Springs, O'leno and River Rise, Devils Milhopper, San Felasco Hammock, Dudley Farm.

Activities:
Up to you.

Many of the parks are great for a nice picnic lunch.

Kayaking depends on the least experienced kayaker and river levels and FLOW! The park sits on the Santa Fe, there is a launch at the Park and a Boat ramp nearby. Ichetucknee river is nearby. The Branford put in on Suwanee is nearby. I predict the river levels won't be a problem, but the flow rate may still be high. The rivers are dropping fast, but the flow rates are still way above the typical flow. There is an app called "River Data". Has great historic data. Ichetucknee is open for Kayaking. (So is Econfina but it is too far). Some of the Springs are currently "browned out". The state parks website, there are updates for the individual parks. Perhaps they will be ok for a land visit before you can safely kayak. Any park alert will be on the front page of the park when you click on it.

There is a Folk Music Festival going on at Suwannee (Stephen Foster -happens every Memorial) , Friday, Saturday and Sunday. $25/day $50 weekend in advance. $30/$60 at Gate.

As an individual you may plan and participate in whatever activities you want.

Find us at: Magnolia loop site 8. Meet us at our campsite the night before, to figure out next days plan.

This is an informal fun trip. Join us if you want, or tell us about great restaurants, places in the area. It is all good.

FYI in general:

If you are camping please note your campsite and days. If you decide not to go please update your rsvp.

Some hiking areas at some parks are muddy, bring crocs not tennis shoes for them (or to change into).

Once tubing season starts, Ichetucknee gets busy.

It is possible not all activities at all parks are open. Look up the park you want to visit's web page for any advisories.