Florida Trail/Rice Creek Conservation Area Thru-Hike

Time: 9 AM - 2PM
Leader: Gina Hopen
Where: Rice Creek Conservation Area
Let’s hike Rice Creek Conservation Area. This will be an approximate 5.6 mile thru hike, which will require a shuttle. We will meet at the Rice Creek Conservation Area trailhead parking area just off of SR 100, then shuttle to the SR 20 Florida Trail trailhead.
We will then hike through the 9 Mile Swamp area, across many board walks and through the Rice Creek area. This area can be wet.
There is a ditch to traverse at SR 20 trailhead area. We will stop at Oak Hammock Shelter (Rice Creek Hilton), for lunch/snack.
If the boardwalk is repaired, we will hike an additional 0.2 miles to observe one of Florida’s largest Cypress trees.
From Palatka: Head west on SR 100 to Rice Creek Conservation Area sign/dirt road, about 5 miles, turn left and follow road to grassy parking area.
From Gainesville: take SR 26 east to Putnam Hall, turn right on SR100 and go about 15 miles, look for Rice Creek sign/dirt road to parking lot.
Bring: Adequate water, sturdy shoes, bug spray, hat, food for lunch/snack, hiking poles (if you want), emergency medical card, and the ability to hike the distance.
Bathrooms: None, just tree-cilities-Leave No Trace
Dogs: Not on this one. Possible gators and snakes