Crack of Dawn Gator Creek Reserve +/- 6 mile 🔥 Hot Hike

Let's show Gator Creek Reserve a little love. We will hike for about 6 miles along the various 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 trail and conditions are unknown to me (and I'm not doing a prehike). Even though I have never led or visited this trail, rest assured that I will be prepared with map in hand.

Gator Creek Reserve encompasses more than 2,700 acres in northwest Lakeland and provides some of the best Polk County hiking trails. The land falls at the edge of the Green Swamp (yeehaw!) and has been protected for its important water, wildlife, and wilderness. Ecologically important for its valuable water resources, the Green Swamp is the headwaters for several major river systems, including Ocklawaha, Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, and Peace Rivers.

Visitors to the nature preserve experience a variety of ecosystems including cypress domes, pine flatwoods, and freshwater marshes. There are several trails which are used to hike, bike, and ride horses, and when combined, can add up to 6.6 miles. At least one small trail we are taking is paved.

One of the features of the nature preserve is Gator Creek, sometimes referred to as Gator Creek Canal. The canal was created between 1948 and 1951 to prevent flooding in this area. Gator Creek now serves as an important seasonal waterway and water source for the local wildlife. It is noted for its tortoises so we definitely will be on the lookout for them.

Learn more about the park at: [https://floridahikes.com/alafia-river-corridor-north/.](https://www.polkfl.gov/park/gator-creek-reserve/) See the map of the park uploaded at the photo section.

This hike is considered moderate because of the temps, distance, and pace we will keep. This hike is only for those who have similar recent HOT hike experiences. 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 7:00 am. We will start hiking at 7:10 am. Please factor construction into you travel time as there is a lot of it on US Hwy 98.

There is a porta-potty in the parking lot but no running water. Parking is plentiful and free as a bird.

You will need at least 2.5 liters of water, snacks, bug spray (consider DEET or Picaridin for your skin, and Permethrin for your clothing), sunscreen, a hat, hiking boots (boots that drain might come in handy), a ground cloth to sit on during the snack break, and anything else you deem necessary for your comfort. A solar umbrella brings the heat down at least 10 degrees, and a light, long sleeve shirt and long pants can help prevent bug bites. It is always tick season in Florida.

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!!