About us
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Purpose of the Group:
The purpose of this group is to bring people together for relaxed, enjoyable hikes — mostly on Saturday mornings — designed for those of us who work Monday through Friday. Hikes will be relatively easy and within about an hour’s drive of Tampa.
Some events will focus on photography, exploring scenic locations at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to take pictures. Others will be more about the hike itself, for those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy nature.
Most hikes will be hosted on Saturdays, but we’re excited to welcome Dominick as a event organizer. He may occasionally plan events during the week, offering more flexibility and variety.
Who should attend:
Anyone who enjoys hiking and/or photography. This group welcomes hobbyists and nature lovers alike — you don’t need to be a professional photographer (and if you are, we just ask for patience with us amateurs!).
What we’ll do at our events:
Hike, take pictures, and enjoy each other’s company outdoors.
Upcoming events
8
Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve - Savannah Trail 6.4 miles - Hiking Spree
Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Rd, Plant City, FL, US## 🌲 Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve – Savannah Trail
📍 Location: Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve
🥾 Trail: Savannah Trail
📏 Distance: ~6.4 miles
📅 Date: February 7
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
🥾 Pace: ModerateHiking Spree page with map
Alltrails Map
Avenza Map### About the hike
Join us for a morning hike on the Savannah Trail at Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve. This is a scenic, wooded trail with gentle elevation changes, creek views, and a peaceful winter landscape. At just over 6 miles, it’s a great longer hike without being overly technical.
### What to expect
- Moderate pace with short regrouping stops
- Natural trail surface
- Quiet, scenic sections along the creek
- Friendly, no-pressure group hike
### What to bring
- Water and snacks
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sun protection!
### Notes
- Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time
- This is a group hike — no one gets left behind
- Dogs are welcome if they are comfortable with the distance
30 attendees
Pasco County Hiking Challenge - Withlacoochee River Park – Dade City
Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, FL, US### Pasco County Hiking Challenge Hike
Withlacoochee River Park – Dade City
Pasco County is hosting the Pasco Hiking Challenge, and this will be our first challenge hike. We only need to complete 3 out of 4 parks, and you can hike any trail you choose — so this one definitely counts.Pick up your challenge passport card from J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, Veterans Memorial Park, or Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex. I'll swing by this weekend and see if I can pick up a stack or not.
📍 Location:
Withlacoochee River Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd, Dade City, FL 33525
⚠️ Important driving note:
Please avoid Auton Road — it’s a very very rough dirt road.
👉 Use River Road for a smooth and easy entrance to the park.
📅 Date: Saturday, February 8
⏰ Start Time: 10:00 AM (later start due to longer drive)
🥾 Trail Plan & Distance:- Blue Trail first – 2.7 miles (out-and-back)
- Red Trail Loop – 4.8 miles
- Total distance: ~7.5 miles
🔗 Trail info:
- Blue Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/withlacoochee-river-blue-trail
- Red Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/withlacoochee-red-trail-loop
🌿 We’re scheduling this before the Bay Area Renaissance Festival begins (Feb 14–Mar 29) to avoid traffic and enjoy a quieter hike.
👟 What to bring:- Plenty of water
- Snacks / electrolytes
- Sun protection
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
This will be a moderate-distance hike with regrouping along the way.
I could be convinced to have lunch after. The Suncoast Outdoors folks like Del Carmen's. I stayed for two night for a hike we did with them and we ate there both nights.
9 attendees
McIntosh Preserve - Live Oak Loop/Red Trail 1.5 Miles - Hiking Spree Series
Mcintosh Preserve, 775 East Knights Griffin Road Plant City, FL 33565, plant city, FL, US### 🌳 McIntosh Preserve Hike
Saturday, February 14 | 3:00 PM
Join us for a relaxed afternoon hike at McIntosh Preserve, located in Hillsborough County. This preserve offers wide, flat trails through pine flatwoods and open prairie — a peaceful way to enjoy a Valentine’s weekend afternoon outdoors.
📍 Location:
775 East Knights Griffin Road
Plant City, FL 33565
Trail details:
Alltrails Map
Hillsborough County Webpage- Distance: ~1.5 miles
- Mostly flat, well-maintained trails
- Beginner-friendly pace
- Mix of sun and shade
What to bring:
- Water
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection
- Bug spray (just in case)
Parking:
Free parking available at the preserve.30 attendees
Pasco County Hiking Challenge - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, US### 🥾 Pasco County Hiking Challenge - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Our second Pasco County Hiking Challenge hike brings us to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park — a park I spent a lot of time in growing up in New Port Richey. It’s a fun, full-circle moment to return here and share it with the group.
📍 Location:
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
📅 Date: Sunday, February 15
⏰ Start Time: 10:00 AM
🥾 Trail & Distance:- Starkey Park Extended Loop
- 7.4 miles total
- Mostly flat with wide trails — great for a steady, conversational pace
🔗 Trail info:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/starkey-park-extended-loop
🌿 This hike counts toward the Pasco County Hiking Challenge. As always, feel free to hike at your own pace — we’ll regroup along the way.
👟 What to bring:- Plenty of water (limited shade in spots)
- Snacks / electrolytes
- Sun protection
- Closed-toe shoes
PARKING: If you look for the photo for this event you will see a P marked at the trailhead. That is the ideal place to park for this hike.
16 attendees
Past events
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