Old Fort King to DRR 7+/- Mile HIKE

Let’s give the Old Fort King Trail (OFKT) a little LOVE. This is a +/- 7 mile out and back, starting at the trailhead parking lot on 301. We will continue to Dead River Road and then turn back. Note, I have not done a prehike so please be prepared for anything.

The OFKT is a dirt trail that weaves through the forest, with periodic views of farms and backyards. It is sometimes rough with slight dips and it is partially shaded. There may be some wet places if there is rain prior to this event. Initially we may hear some cars whiz by but that mostly dissipates at the trailhead. The OFKT is a lovely hike that doesn’t get a lot of hikers or bikers so it will be a nice way to experience nature. This is a rain or shine event. There is no fee for hiking at the OFKT.

We will meet at the time posted above, in the parking lot on the east side of 301*, then we will cross 301 together, greet the donkeys (if any), and then the hike is underway. We will keep a moderate pace and take a 20 minute break half way for snacks.

• To join this hike, you must be able to complete 7 miles in the time allotted and you must have experience hiking in the heat.
• The trail starts at Sargeant’s but that’s the paved piece that we will avoid. Please use the meetup address provided in this post.
• The map uploaded to photos shows the parking lot with the letter P.

On this hike, there are no bathrooms or drinking water available – the closest pit stop is John B. Sargeant, Sr. Memorial Park but you may not find it open before 8am. You will need at least 2 liters of water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hikers, and anything else you deem necessary for your comfort. If it's a hot day (80+ degrees, bring an extra liter of water). There are no benches so you may want to bring a ground cloth to sit on during the snack break.

For a little more information about the trail, visit https://imagineourflorida.org/old-fort-king-trail/.

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

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. See you there!!