Short Hike at Split Rock Park in Gainesville

Time: 2pm; please arrive a bit early to sign in

Leaders: Bob Kerckel and Nora Zietz

Location: Split Rock Conservation area, directions below

Description of hike: this is a very pretty +/- 2 mile hike in a 240 acre park owned by the city. A mixture of oak, pines, and hickories forest and swamp. Hidden In the swamp is the elusive "split rock" and the remnant of what must have been an old swimming pool at one time. Mostly shady hike; one short part is exposed to sunshine. For anyone wanting a longer hike we can stay and hike it backwards (the hike follows a loop).

Difficulty: easy; flat. Yes, of course there ARE roots but the trail is well maintained.

Directions: From the intersection of Tower Road and SW 24th avenue proceed East on SW 24th towards I75; about a mile past that intersection is the entrance to the park on your right. It is 2/10 of a mile east of the light at 17th road. No official paved parking exists; people park on the grass. The entrance is easy to miss: look for parked cars on the grass.

Bring: hat, bug spray, water.

Fee: none

Facilities: no

Dogs: ok if on leash because once in the woods/swamp, good luck getting them to come back.