Cypress Lakes Preserve to Crooked River Out-and-Back - 14 or 11 miles round trip

Cypress Lakes Preserve to Crooked River Out-and-Back Hike
(14 miles or see option below for 11 miles)

We will meet at Ridge Manor; Cypress Lakes Preserve Trailhead and head out towards Crooked River Campground where we will take a break. Crooked River has picnic tables, bathrooms and potable water. This is our turnaround point.

We will hike the Orange Blaze for approximately 1.6 miles. This preserve protects several cypress-lined lakes and we will come out the other side of the preserve.

Here we have a short road walk along SR50 until we head back into the forest continuing to follow the orange blazes.
Note: Road walk is .7 miles long. Although it is a busy road, we are on a sidewalk protected by guardrails.

After entering back into the forest, we will continue following the orange blaze for another 4.5 miles until we reach Crooked River. This beautiful section of the Florida Trail traces the Withlacoochee River.

After break we will head back to Cypress Lakes Preserve. However, instead of following the orange blaze the entire way back we will take the connector trail through the Ridge Manor section of the forest. We meet up with the connector trail at approximately 3 miles, then take the connector for about 1.6 miles until we rejoin the orange blaze. We will then hike 2.3 miles back to Cypress Lakes Preserve Trailhead which includes the .7 road walk.

All and all this should be close to a 14-mile hike.

There is an option for those who would prefer a slightly shorter hike. Those who choose to do the shorter hike, which takes off 3.2 miles will need to park at the other end of the Cypress Lakes Preserve. The address is: 32375 Cortez Blvd. Brooksville, FL 34602.
Please note, you will need to arrive at the same time or at the latest 15 minutes later and wait for the “14 milers” to pass through the parking lot. We will not be waiting for anyone to arrive or anyone who is not ready to hike.

Be prepared: sun protection, bug repellent, water, snacks, and anything else that will make your hike comfortable. Water is required for hiking.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Possible risks of this activity include Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, noxious vegetation, insect borne virus and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, and other airborne transmissible conditions. You are responsible for your own safety and should take whatever precautions you deem necessary. You assume all responsibility and risk associated with this event.

Please note we do our best to start on time.
Day of hike 813-486-3713