Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

Date: Monday Sept.8,2025
Meet at the Lake Alto Boat Ramp/Park parking lot at 7pm to sign in and share info, Bring picnic food of your choice
Leader: Maria Fiedler
Location: Meet at Lake Alto Public Boat Launch parking lot, 17800 NE 134 PL, Waldo, FL 7 PM to sign in and share information. Plan at least ~ 3.0 hrs. Bring picnic food of your choice.

Description: Let’s paddle board, kayak or canoe. We will picnic at the park picnic tables at the edge of Lake Alto and discuss the paddle as the sunsets in the west. Then launch boats at the public boat ramp, paddle out to Lake Alto, continue along the lake to the right and return to boat launch parking lot. Paddle on Lake Alto may be moderately difficult due to winds blowing across the lake. We will stop periodically to view the ambiance of the scene and rest during our evening paddle.
Hat, sunscreen, bug spray, paddle gloves advised. Alligators have been seen.
Florida public waters require safety standards. It is mandatory to have a US Coast Guard-approved PFD, Personal Flotation Device-Life Jacket- for every person on paddle board, kayak or canoe and a loud sound-making device like a whistle.
Bring a flashlight. Vessels 16-26 ft require different regulations. Refer to Florida Kayak and Boat Registration laws for boats of 16-26 ft. length.
General Information: Web search “Lake Alto Preserve Boat Launch/Ramp” for more information.
Admission: No fees.
Bathrooms: Yes (port-a pot), at Lake Alto Boat Launch parking lot.
Dogs allowed: No
Restricted to: Adults over 18. Experienced paddlers with strong swimming skills.
FTA current members only limited to ***15 ***participants. Not a member?? Join by phone 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join. “The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida Trail (FT)”, one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the US.” “Building More Than Trails.”

Location: Shangri-La Trailhead and Campground, 12788 S.W. 69th Court, Ocala FL
Leader: Marsha Jordan
Time: Hiking at 8:30 AM, Arrive by 8:15 to sign in
Description: Join the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association for a 3.2-mile hike, rated moderate in difficulty. This route is located on the Shangri-La tract and features a nice loop through a forested area. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
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
Dogs allowed: If well behaved and on short leash

RSVP via Meet-Up

Directions: From FL-200 west of Walmart SuperCenter, turn left on SW Hwy 484, 3 miles turn left on Marion Oaks Trail, 1 mile turn left on SW 69th Ct.
From I-75, take exit 341 and go West (you will be on 484). About 4 miles, tun right on Marion Oaks Pass, .5 miles turn left on Marion Oaks Trail, .7 miles turn right on SW 69th Ct.
Florida Trail Association (FTA) Inc. is a volunteer membership organization with the primary purpose of developing, maintaining, promoting, and protecting the Florida Trail.