Florida Adventures and Explorer's Meetup Group

This is worth it; one of my favorite parks to hike.

Highland Hammocks State Park
5931 Hammock Road Sebring, FL 33872
(863) 386-6094
FloridaStateParks.org

THE HIKE: 5.2 miles Highland Hammock Scenic Loop is the main paved road for walking and biking that goes in a circle with all the other trails (listed below) on either side of the road, which we will come in and out of—each little one just a fantastic spot to see.
2.4 miles -Wild Orange Grove Trail 2.4 miles
2.9 miles -Hickory and Cypress Swamp trail
.5 mile - Cypress swamp trail - a boardwalk and catwalk *very cool
.6 mile - Ancient Hammock trail
.3 mile - Fern Garden trail
1.2 miles - Wild Orange Grove Trail
.5 mile - Young Hammock Trail
.2 mile - Alexander Blair Big Oak Trail

Hammocks State Park is an absolutely stunning place! Excellent, packed shaded trails with incredible cypress, oak, and palm trees. I hiked this trail along with other short trails by connecting through the main loop road. The road is shaded and is excellent for biking as well. About 7 miles with all the trails, including some road walking, is also acceptable since it’s very shady.
BRING: If it’s sunny, bring a hat, always bring water, and a snack if you like. Bug spray and sunscreen is always a good idea as well as a small emergency kit..

DOGS: It would not be great for dogs because of the uneven bridges and close to the water (Alligator food).

This State Park encompasses more than 9,000 acres and is known for its beautiful old-growth hammock, cypress swamps, the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, and abundant wildlife. Nine different nature trails take visitors through lush, jungle-like foliage and deep into the heart of one of Florida's oldest state parks.

Highlands Hammock State Park charges a $6 fee to enter. Fees are per vehicle or per visitor entering on foot or bicycle. The Florida State Parks Annual Pass is also available.

MEET: My silver Jeep Wrangler (white top) will be parked there. See the map and text me only on the day of the hike at 850-591-1329 (include your full name).

FLORIDA: Yes, it always states it will rain, but it might not; that's Florida weather.

GUEST: NO GUESTS allowed; please sign up/register as a Meetup Member to participate.

NOTE: May cancel upon inclement weather or lack of sufficient interest.
We will take small regular breaks.
IF HEAVY RAINS OCCUR IN THE PRECEDING DAYS, THERE MAY BE WATER TO WADE THROUGH.
Please check the local forecast before arriving.

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND OUR SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.

Lido Nature Preserve and Sunset Beach Walk.
A nice walk to the preserve, which is shady with trees, then back on the hard-packed beach coastline for the sunset - about 3 miles.
400 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34246

Meet under the shaded Lido Beach Pavilion.
And after the walk, If you want to watch the sky, bring a beach chair enjoy the sunset.

FOR THE HIKE We will start at the Lido pavilion and make our way on the trail to North Lido through the preserve and back out towards the mermaid wall, which is about 1.5 miles; we’ll then walk back along the beach shoreline. We will take a break before we walk back, watching the sunset and returning to the shore in front of Lido Pavilion.

We will walk briskly but casually and should have a little ocean breeze.
Bring water, possibly bug spray, and a hat for sun protection.

**This event may be canceled in case of thunderstorms.

EACH person coming needs to RSVP on the meetup site to go.

You MUST be on the list to hike with us, so if you want a friend to come, they must sign up on the meetup group and should be able to hike 6 miles or more.
General Information for all events: If it’s sunny, bring a hat, always bring water, and a snack if you like. Bug spray is always a good idea.

And yes, it always states it will rain, but it might not; that's the nature of Florida weather.

When you RSVP to attend this event, it is your acknowledgment of understanding and unconditional acceptance of personal responsibility and liability for all associated risks. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: Possible risks of this activity include Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, poisonous vegetation, insect-borne viruses and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, and other airborne transmissible conditions. Weather can change without notice, bringing lightning, hail, torrential rain, and flooding. You are responsible for your safety and should take whatever precautions you deem necessary.

IF HEAVY RAINS OCCUR IN THE PRECEDING DAYS, THERE MAY BE WATER TO WADE THROUGH.
The hike will be canceled without notice in heavy rain, lightning, or inclement weather. Please check the local forecast before arriving.

The BIKE:
We'll bike the length of the park on the paved road and back under shaded trees, which is about 13 miles.

If you have a guest, they’ll need to sign up on the MeetUp group on their own to join us. 

BRING: WATER. If it’s sunny, bring a hat or helmet and a snack. Bug spray is always a good idea.
And yes, it always states it will rain...but it might not; that's Florida weather.

When you RSVP to attend this event, it represents your express acknowledgment of understanding,
and unconditional acceptance of personal responsibility and liability for all associated risks. ASSUMPTION OF RISK: Possible risks of this activity include Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, noxious vegetation, insect-borne viruses and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, and other airborne transmissible conditions. Weather can change without notice, bringing lightning, hail, torrential rain, and flooding. You are responsible for your safety and should take whatever precautions you deem necessary.

The event will be canceled without notice in heavy rain or inclement weather. Please check the local forecast before arriving.

TEXT: if you need to contact me on the day of the hike, 850-591-1329