Sandhill & Black Bear Chapters - Florida Trail Association

Call either Wes Smith (3865594292) or Lee (3865594277) if have any questions or need more information! Hope to see you there!!!
Staging on Oct 17th at 0830 at Forest Veterinary Clinic, corner of Hwy 40 and 14th Street Rd. We will be working the last portion of the Western corridor from the 145th avenue rd to Hwy 40. Approximately 3.8 miles, broken up by a long jeep road walk.
We will be using mowers, brush cutters, string trimmers, hedgers, loppers and chainsaws-if necessary. Dress for trail work-long pants, closed toes work shoes/boots, long sleeve shirt, if desired, and work gloves. Also need plenty of water/hydration, lunch/food. PPE, extra water and snacks will be provided.

Hike Newnans Lake Forest on the Lake Pithlachocco Trail
Newnans Lake State Forest is named after Newnans Lake, which lies just east of the forest. Although shallow, this 6,000-acre lake is approximately 2 miles wide and 4 miles long. The gum and bald cypress swamps extending from the lake are the most intact natural systems in the State Forest and host a variety of wading birds and other wildlife. A couple of bald eagle nests are found adjacent to these swamps. Sunnyland Creek, Lake Ridge Creek and Lake Forest Creek flow through the forest into Newnans Lake. The State Forest is one link in a chain of public lands that runs along the lakeshore and protects this beautiful and historically significant aquatic feature. Trees such as slash pine, longleaf pine, loblolly pine, bald cypress, oaks, sweetgum, red maple, southern magnolia, black gum and hickory are all found in the forest.
The hike will begin on the bike trail. We will hike to the lake where there is a dugout canoe replica and a new boardwalk that offers a sweeping view of the lake. The return trip will be on the hiking trail for a total of 4 miles.
Amenities: There are no restrooms. There is a large parking lot.

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.

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: Lunch- post ride at groups choice.
Restricted to FTA Members only. 15 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.