Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

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.

Bicycle Ride on Gainesville - Hawthorne State Trail (GHT)
Location: Rochelle Trailhead
Intersection of CR 234 and 2082, Gainesville, FL 32641.
Parking is provided on the grassy area next to the trailhead.
Time: Arrive 15 min prior to sign in.

Description: This will be a ~ 18-20 mile bicycle ride on the paved GHT. The ride speed will be 9-13 mph average. NO hills. Slight slope elevations. HELMETS are required to be worn during this ride. Rest stop at Hawthorne trailhead.
Directions: Meet at Rochelle FL Trailhead -at CR 234 and 2082.

General Information: 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 and Hawthorne trailhead. Water fountain at Hawthorne Trailhead.

Other Amenities: Well-maintained rail to trail with lovely canopy of trees, flora and fauna for most of the ride. Ride over wooden bridges over 2 creeks.

Dogs allowed: NO

Restricted to FTA Members only. 10 Seasoned, strong bicycle riders.
Not a member -Join FTA 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). Building More than Trails.”

Check Weather Forecast before you come.
Location: Turkey Creek Preserve, 6300 NW 93rd Ave, Gainesville, FL.32653
Preserve Rules “ Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”
Time: Be ready to walk at 4:30 pm . Arrive 15 min prior to sign-in.
Description: This will be at least a ~3.0-3.5-mile loop hike, included Hammock Loop (2 miles), Fitness Loop (0.5 miles) and Turkey Creek Loop (0.5 miles). We may increase this to ~4.0 miles if the group agrees, by repeating a loop or 2.
Directions: In Gainesville-Head north on NW 43 St, turn left at NW 93rd Ave. The preserve entrance is on right ~1.5 miles.
General Information:
Quiet, calm and serene woods. Be prepared for rough or soft trails. Slight elevation changes on the trails. “The 376 Acres at Turkey Creek was purchased in 2009 with funding from the Wild Spaces Public Places sales tax.” “The preserve encompasses many ecosystems including basin swamp, depression marsh, bottom land forest, hydric hammock, upland hardwood forest, black water streams, and sinkholes.”
Dress to comfort and bring water/snack per preference.
Prepare for a walk in the woods. Bug Spray advised.
Bathrooms: No
Dogs allowed: Only well behaved dogs on a short leash.
Restricted to: FTA members and possible FTA members. Not a member-Join by phone 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join.
Florida Trail Association, Inc.(FTA) is a volunteer membership organization with primary purpose to develop, maintain , promote and protect the Florida Trail.