Short or Long Haul Hike: 6 or 12 Miles at Colt Creek State Park

Hello peeps, let's show Colt Creek a little or a whole lot of love.
First we'll do the yellow trail which is about 5.5 miles. Then those who want to get 6 more miles will continue with me on the red/flatwoods trail.

On the day of the hike, we will meet in the ‘south parking’ lot next to the equestrian campground. The drive from the gate to our parking lot is about 3 MILES. You will pass Mac Lake and the family campground (both on the right)--just keep going--our parking lot is a little further and on the left. If you pass the equestrian campground, you've gone too far. Please arrive at the ranger station at least 20 minutes before the hike starts as we begin hiking at 8:40 am sharp. The park gates open at 8 am.

On the drive in and on the trail, you might see a variety of animals including birds, deer, otters, squirrels, and tortoises. The trails we're taking are partially shaded, wide, well-maintained, and adjacent to gator creek, forest, and meadows. If it's a sunny day, you'll be happy you brought your hat. If we encounter mud or puddles, we'll do our best to walk around them but no promises that this will always be possible.

During the hike, we will maintain a moderate pace of about 2.5 miles per hour. We will break near the south parking lot after the yellow trail hike is complete. Those in for the short haul can drop out now. After the break, we will enter the forest at marker 7 to 6 to 11 and then we'll stay on the outer red trail for a while before making our way down to Mac Lake.

This is a rain or shine event unless it's raining constantly and cold. There is a $4 fee per car to enter the park unless you have a park pass. The trails are well marked but you can always ask for a hiking map when you pay. There are bathrooms and water at the ranger station, at Mac Lake, and possibly in the equestrian campground.

For this hike, you will need at least 2 liters of water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hikers (no sandals or walking shoes), a rain coat or umbrella if it's raining, and anything else you deem necessary for your comfort. You might also want to bring a groundcloth to sit on during the lunch break.

My number on the day of the hike is 813-713-2492.

Read about the park at: https://www.floridastateparks.org/sites/default/files/media/file/clt-brochure.pdf.

I am asking that everyone signs up (no guests) so everyone can agree to the waiver and agree to the following conditions:

ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
YOUR ATTENDANCE AT A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
Possible risks from participation include but are not limited to: injury from a trip and fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, dehydration, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, and falling trees.
I am not a professional guide, just a volunteer for the group.
Any questions or concerns, please comment below. Thanks.