Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

This will be ~ 20-22-mile bicycle ride on less congested, quiet, tree lined wide paved state rail to trail multipurpose greenway. Part of the Florida Trail runs along it.
Website search: Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail.
Plan on ride AVG speed: 9-13 mph. Slight slope elevations. HELMETS are required to be worn during this ride. Rest stop has port-a pot bathroom.

Location: Putnam Hall at SR26/SR100 intersection. ~35 min drive east on NE 39th /FL 222 East x 22 miles. (SR 26 east, past Melrose, till 26 dead ends at stop sign at SR100, drive cross SR100 and park on the grassy area next to the trail.) Landmark-Post Office & minute market at intersection on right.
Leader: Maria Fiedler
General Information: HYDRATE before the ride .Bring water and snacks if you like. Sunscreen is a good idea. HELMET is required.
Bathrooms: None at start, there is a port-a-pot at Florahome Park Pavillion, near mid- point.

Dogs allowed: NO
Optional: To eat at Betty's Pizza in Melrose
Restricted to FTA Members only. 10 Seasoned, strong bicycle riders. Be able to ride 20-22 miles at average speed of 9-13 mph on the trail. Bicycles should be in good rideable condition. I recommend that you have your bicycle checked out at a local bicycle shop if you have not ridden your bike within the past weeks or so. Tire pressure, chain lube, brakes, etc. need attention for safety and riding performance.
Not an FTA member? Join FTA by phone, 877-HIKE-FLA or online at www.floridatrail.org/join.
This event has been cleared by both FTA and GCC. Each participant will be under their individual membership or both as I am under both FTA/GCC.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026
Time: Arrive by 8:45 to sign in, Hiking by 9:00 am
Location: 49th Ave Trailhead, 12555 SW 49th Ave, Ocala FL
Leader: Marsha Jordan

Description: Join the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association for a 5.5 mile hike, generally considered a moderately challenging route. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots. We will walk on the hiking trail to the Landbridge and back. The trail is in excellent condition. If you tend to use hiking sticks, bring them.

Fees: None
General Information: Bring a hat, water, sunscreen, proper footwear, and snack if you like. Bug spray is always a good idea. Also have an emergency medical card (info) in your pack.
Bathrooms: Yes, portalet
Dogs allowed: Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome
RSVP via Meet-Up

Florida Trail Association (FTA) Inc. is a volunteer membership organization with the primary purpose of developing, maintaining, promoting, and protecting the Florida Trail. Join the FTA for only $40.00 /year.
www.floridatrail.org

This will be ~4.0-mile loop hike, “Protected 125 acres of watershed along Sweetwater Branch, Sweetwater Preserve is broken into two distinct parts by this waterway flowing out of Gainesville.” By adding the portion of GHT to Sweetwater Overlook onto Paynes Prairie and return to SE trailhead. “The preserve enables hikers to explore eight different habitats along the forested bluffs above Paynes Prairie.” Lovely quiet, green forested trail.