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
6
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.
28 attendees
Anclote Gulf Park Key Vista Nature Park (Corrected Date) Pasco Hiking Challenge
Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday, FL, USWe’re wrapping up our Pasco County Hiking Challenge with a coastal favorite — Key Vista Nature Preserve — but with a small twist to make logistics easier and miles a little more satisfying.
Instead of parking at Key Vista, we’ll start at Anclote Gulf Park, which gives us:- ✔️ More parking
- ✔️ Bathrooms
- ✔️ Connected trails
- ✔️ A slightly longer, more fun hike
Everyone wins.
📍 Meetup Location (Parking & Bathrooms):
Anclote Gulf Park
2305 Baillies Bluff Road
Holiday, FL 34691
📅 Date: Sunday, February 22
⏰ Start Time: 10:00 AM
🐕 Dogs are welcome! (on leash)
🥾 Trail Plan & Distance:- Key Vista Loop -1.7 miles (inside the preserve)
🔗 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/key-vista-loop - Anclote Gulf Park & Key Vista Nature Park Loop -2 miles
🔗 https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/anclote-gulf-park-and-key-vista-nature-park-loop
This gives us a satisfying coastal hike that still counts for the Pasco County Hiking Challenge, with beautiful Gulf views, shaded sections, and a relaxed pace.
👟 What to bring:- Water
- Sun protection
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Dog essentials if you’re bringing your pup
This is a great “victory lap” hike — scenic, accessible, and low-stress — and a perfect way to check off the final challenge park together.
The turn in locations to complete the challenge are:
- Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex
7727 Boyette Rd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545 - J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex (This is 6 minutes from our hike location so if you're done I would suggest turning it in after our hike.)
2830 Gulf Trace Blvd, Holiday, FL, United States, 34691 - Land O' Lakes Recreation Complex
3032 Collier Pkwy, Land O' Lakes, FL 34639 - Veterans Memorial Park
14333 Hicks Rd, Hudson, FL 34669
15 attendees
Past events
55
