Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

FTA Activity: Santa Fe Paddle from the Bible Camp Ramp .
Date: Monday, 9/15/2025.
Location: Meet at Bible Camp Boat Ramp parking lot at 10 am to sign in
(2023-2099 SE Bible Camp St, High Springs, FL,at end of road).
Plan to spend most of the day.
Leader(s): Maria Fiedler
Description: Let’s paddle, kayak or canoe. We will put in at Bible Camp Boat Ramp and paddle up north toward the headwaters of the Santa Fe River and back.
Pack snacks/lunch/ plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. We will stop periodically to view wildlife,birds and gators, and to rest during our morning paddle.

General Information: Web search “Paddle Santa Fe River from Bible Camp Ramp for more details.Hat, sunscreen,bug spray, paddle gloves advised.

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 board kayak or canoe and a loud sound-making device like a whistle.” Vessels 16-26 ft require different regulations. Refer to Florida Kayak and Boat Registration laws for boats of 16-26 ft. length and/or motorized vessel including trolling motors.
Bathrooms: Not at Bible Camp Ramp.
Dogs allowed: No
Restricted to: Adults over 18. Experienced paddlers with strong swimming skills. FTA membership to 15 participants. Not a member?
Join by phone 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join.

Wednesday Morning Bicycle Ride on Gainesville - Hawthorne State Trail (GHT)
Weather conditions permitting.
Location: Depot Park Gainesville FL
Leader: Maria Fiedler
Description: This will be a ~20-22-mile bicycle ride on the paved GHT. Please look up details of the GHT under website and read the descriptions from Depot Park to Rochelle and return. The ride speed will be 9-13 mph average. Yes ,there are Hills and beautiful hammocks. HELMETS are required to be worn during this ride. Rest stop at Rochelle CR234 trailhead.

General Information: Electric Bikes Welcome
HYDRATE before the ride .Bring water and snacks if you like. Sunscreen is a good idea. HELMET is required.
Bathrooms: Yes, port-a-pot at Rochelle. Depot Park has flush toilets and water fountain.
Other amenities: Well-maintained rail to trail with lovely canopy of trees, flora and fauna for most of the ride. May visit the scenic overlooks along the way.
Group may go to lunch after ride. Group choice.

Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to: Florida Trail Association members (FTA) and interested riders. 10 Seasoned, strong bicycle riders. Be able to ride 18-22 miles at average speed of 9-13 mph on the trail. Bicycles should be in good ride-able 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 week or so. Tire pressure, chain lube, brakes, etc. need attention for safety and riding performance.
Not an FTA member?Call 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join. Building More than Trails.”

Friday Morning Hike at 49th Ave Trailhead
Date: Friday, Sept.19, 2025
Location: 49th Ave Trailhead, 12555 SW 49th Ave, Ocala FL

Leader: Marsha Jordan
Time: Arrive by 8:15 to sign in, Hiking by 8:30am
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 Landbrige and back. The trail is in excellent condition. Even a day after a good rain it was dry. I did, however, run straight through five or so spiderwebs.
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