Hike the Florida Trail from Gold Head Branch State Park through Camp Blanding
Details
We'll hike about 8 miles on the Florida Trail from the Ranger Station at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park through the west end of the Park, then cross over into Camp Blanding, where we will pass by several beautiful lakes and visit historic (and now inactive) Lake Magnolia State Park - one of Florida's last African-American parks during the ugly period of segregation. The terrain is flat and fairly smooth through pine flatwoods. Hiking this trip and next Sunday's outing through Gold Head will allow participants to have completed 14 continuous miles of the Florida Trail.
We will meet at the Treat Road trailhead at 8:45 am, then combine in cars and drive to our starting point at the Ranger Station on Gold Head Branch State Park, then hike back to Treat Road.
Bring sun screen, bug spray, and plenty of water. No pets. Restrooms at the Gold Head Branch ranger station.
You will need to register and sign a liability waiver. Please REGISTER NOW at this link: https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=7013q000002HdUVAA0
Optional lunch afterwards at the great Johnny's BBQ at 7411 State Rd 21, Keystone Heights - 5 minute drive.
DIRECTIONS: Meet at the trailhead at the intersection of SR 21 and Treat Rd near Keystone Heights, FL. From Jax, take Blanding Blvd/SR 21 south through Orange Park and Middleburg. Continue south on SR 21 past Goldhead State Park. Go approximately 3.5 miles past Goldhead State Park to Treat Rd. and turn right. Coordinates are 29.8131, -82.0045.
Cancellation Policy: Event may be cancelled in case of rain or if weather threatens safety. Check Meetup for current status before traveling to the event. Events may need to be cancelled at short notice.
Help the environment by following these tips:
- Bring your water in a reusable container instead of a single-use plastic bottle
- Use sunscreen free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are extremely harmful to coral reefs, as well as being hormone disruptors in humans.