Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve North Trail 6.3 M 🔥 hot hike

Let's show Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve North a little love. We will hike for about 6 miles along the red and yellow trails. Plan for the trail to be wet and wild in many places and for there to be lots of sun. I am asking that hikers leave their dogs at home since the conditions are unknown (I'm not doing a prehike). I also have never led on this trail but I have been there with other leaders and I will be prepared.

We start by crossing a wooden bridge over the North Prong of the Alafia River. The trail is a wide, flat, and heavily shaded dirt path running beneath giant, moss-draped live oaks. At the junction, the path splits into a loop around old, reclaimed mine pits that have transformed into deep, quiet forest lakes. The northern leg consists mostly of firm dirt and soft grass, while the southern leg hugs the river floodplain, passing a primitive campsite and small creek crossings. Finally, between miles 5.0 and 6.3, the loop closes and merges back into the main trail, where we will retrace our steps under the thick canopy and cross back over the river to the parking area. Learn more about the park at: https://floridahikes.com/alafia-river-corridor-north/.

This hike is considered to be moderately difficult because of the temps, distance, and the pace we will keep. This hike is only for those who have similar recent HOT experience. This is a rain or shine hike, unless there is a threat of a downpour or thunder and lightning.

On the day of the hike, please meet me in the parking lot at 8:00 am. We will start hiking at 8:15.

There are no bathrooms, port-o-potties, or water fountains at the 9256 S County Road 39 trailhead.

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!!