Crack of Dawn NEXTtoNATURE at Morris Bridge Conservation Park 7+/- mile hot hike

Let's give this Wilderness Conservation Park site a whole lot of LOVE. The Morris Bridge Site is located at 13631 Morris Bridge Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592. This address is on the WEST side of the road. Careful when you're slowing down to turn as some people will be racing to get to work. Parking is $2 unless you have a parking pass. There are bathrooms next to the parking lot.

This is a 117-acre nature park along the Hillsborough River offering hiking, birding, biking, and paddling. Key features include a scenic boardwalk, extensive biking trails connecting to the Wilderness Park Off-Road Trail System (with lots of twists and trees), and a canoe/kayak launch. We will be taking a few of those bike trails in addition to some hiking trails and whenever we see a bike, we will give them right-of-way. Learn more about the park at: https://hcfl.gov/locations/morris-bridge-conservation-park.

The plan for this HOT HIKE is to start with Bald Cypress and take it to the lookout, jump on Heartbreak Ridge, Washboard, Grandpa, Palmetto, and Enchanted, and then head back to our cars using Main. If the land bridge the lookout is washed out, we will back track and take the "long way" to the lookout. I'll adjust the route as needed to keep us at about 7 miles.

This hike is considered moderate in terms of difficulty due to a little sugar sand, rocks, roots, twists and turns, some rugged areas and the TEMPS. We will keep a moderate pace with very few breaks. Maybe 65% of the hike is under canopy which will be a bit buggy. There's loads of potential to see wildlife. This is a rain or shine event.

On the day of the hike, please meet me in the parking lot at 7:30 am. We will start hiking at 7:40.

You will need at least 2.5 liters of water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hikers, and anything else you deem necessary for your comfort. A solar umbrella brings the heat down at least 10 degrees. You may want to bring a ground cloth to sit on during the snack break.

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!!