Let’s hike 6-7 miles at Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park

Trying to start the new year out right! Let’s explore a new area for this group! Winter is the perfect time to venture to this area as it is out in the open with little shade. Details: We will be hiking about 6-7 miles of mostly sugar sand trails at the Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek State Park (yes, I think it is the longest name of a state park in Florida). I know that sugar sand isn't most people's idea of a great hike; however, you'll get an opportunity to see a landscape that you don't typically see inland. This park is filled with rolling sandhills. It's on the 150-mile Lake Wales Ridge, so while getting some good exercise, you'll actually be able to see some highpoint views, which is very unusual in Florida. Not much shade, so sunscreen and hats recommended, as well as, plenty of water.

Background: Located along the beautiful Lake Wales Ridge, Catfish Creek Preserve covers more than 8,000 acres of scrub, sandhill and flatwoods in addition to 65 acres of submerged land. The preserve offers 6 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of equestrian trails, a covered pavilion, fishing and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The preserve is home to numerous rare plants, such as the scrub morning glory, scrub plum, pygmy fringe tree and cutthroat grass, and several protected animal species including the Florida scrub-jay, bald eagles, gopher tortoises and Florida scrub lizards.

Directions: Use these coords in any map program or gps to locate the trailhead 27.98409° N, 81.49713° W

What to Bring: The short list would be water (1-2 liters), sun lotion, hat, sunglasses, bug repellent, hiking boots or sturdy comfortable shoes, snacks or lunch. We could be walking in sand so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this event, you acknowledge that these events carry the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs; Acts of nature such as inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “What's the Motto...Hikers Hike” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated leader of the event.