Challenge Hike: St. Marks River Preserve State Park

This park is close to town, but generally does not attract crowds. Most just walk the wide blue trail missing the more challenging wilderness-like, yellow trail. We won’t miss it. The trails pass through mostly sandhills and mesic flatwoods. We will hike to where the trail crosses the St. Marks River and return. At this location the river may be a dark-water creek in a floodplain swamp, or a series of stagnant puddles depending on the preceding rainfall.

Location -10847 Tram Road. Be ready to circle up no later than 9:30. Meet in the park’s parking area near the kiosk. The park is on the northside of Tram Road, about 2.1 miles east of the intersection with WW Kelly Road/Old Plank Road.

Strenuous - Expect 6 miles of hiking on ungraded forest roads and fire breaks. There will be a few areas of soft sand, and more areas of knee to waist high grasses and forbs. Depending on the preceding rainfall, some low areas may have standing water. There can be wading at two creek crossings. The trails shown on the park’s brochure do not match their actual location. They also do not have enough blazes. Some GPS navigation will be needed. There are no toilet facilities or potable water on site. Not suitable for young children. Pets must be well-behaved and kept on a handheld leash no longer than six feet at all times. Estimated end time 5 hours.

Bring - Lunch, snacks, water, bug repellant, sunscreen. An entrance fee is not collected at this park.

Please change your RSVP if you have to cancel.