Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

Location: Shangri-La Trailhead and Campground, 12788 S.W. 69th Court, Ocala FL
Leader: Marsha Jordan
Time: Hiking at 9:00 AM, Arrive by 8:45 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.

Santa Fe River Preserve Hike
Leader: Maria Fiedler
Description: This will be a ~4.0-mile hike on Santa Fe River Preserve Blue Trail, Easy. This is a mostly shaded hike. Trail is unpaved, in some places can be muddy, uneven or wet. Exposed roots. Hiking poles advised. We will rest periodically at benches along the trail
Directions: Drive ~16 miles north from Gainesville on SR 121 from light at 121/441 intersection. Preserve sign is on the right by a large grassy parking lot.
General Information: Bring a hat, water, and lunch/snack if you like. Bug spray is always a good idea.
Other items of interest about area/activity: Review map and details of this gorgeous area under various web sites, including Alachua Conservation Trust- Santa Fe River Preserve

Bathrooms: None
Other amenities: Those interested in staying we will carpool 1.5 miles drive to North Trailhead Entrance for additional short ~2-mile hike.
Dogs allowed: Yes-if well behaved and leashed.
Restricted to 25 FTA members only: Not a member?Join by phone (877-HIKE-FLA) or online at floridatrail.org/join.

FTA Activity: Gainesville -Hawthorne Trail Hike,
Sparks in the Park, Picnic and Fireworks: Happy New Year, 2026!

Description: Let’s gather to celebrate New Years Eve! We will hike down trail to Sweetwater Overlook and return (about 4 miles) to get a pond side view for “Sparks in the Park” from 5-8 PM.
Fireworks over the main pond! Come for the hike or just come for the fireworks/picnic-after 530pm.

You may bring a picnic of choice, folding chair and/or blanket to sit on the lawn socializing to see sunset and night skies, listening to live music .
Headlight or flashlight advised. Dress to your comfort.
Fireworks commence with night skies, ~ 6:30pm.
Bathrooms: Yes, at Depot Park
Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to: FTA membership. Family and Friends of FTA members are welcome to join us. Join by phone 877-HIKE- FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join.
Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida Trail (FT). “Building More Than Trails”.