Camp Blanding Morning Hike

Camp Blanding Morning Hike

North FL trailblazers cleared and reblazed trail ! THANKS!
We will hike the entire loop

Date: Thursday, Nov 14, 2024
Location: Camp Blanding,park at northern kiosk along SR21 near large communication tower. We will shuttle to southern kiosk on Treat Road and hike back to cars.
Leader: Bev Giordano
Time: Be ready to hike at 10 AM. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.
Description: This will be a 6.3-mile hike along the Camp Blanding Loop of the Florida Trail. By leaving cars at both kiosks, we will avoid the 2-mile walk along the Keystone bike path. Elevation gain 234 feet. Some areas are quite sandy. Hike takes about 3 hours. We will stop along the way for snacks/lunch/rests.
Directions: from Gainesville, take 39th Avenue (SR 222) east to Melrose; turn left (north) and follow SR 21 through Keystone Heights. Continue north on SR 21 for about 6 miles until you see the Florida Trail kiosk on your left. Turn left and park here.
General Information: Typical temperature range in mid-November is 50-74 F. Most of the trail passes through heavily forested areas, but there are some areas where wind off the lakes could be cold. Dress in layers. Bring a hat, water, lunch/snack. Bring something to sit on (sit upon, small tarp), as there are no benches where we will stop for a break. Bug spray and sunscreen are always good ideas.
Other items of interest about the area: Gold Head State Park is just across SR 21 from the northern kiosk. There are cabins for rent in the park. The Camp Blanding Museum is located at 5629 SR 16 West, Building 3040, in Starke, Fla (904-682-3196). It is open daily from noon to 4 PM.
Bathrooms: none, but there are plenty of trees
Other amenities: Hardees and Wendy's in Keystone Heights have the closest bathrooms to the trail. There are several restaurants in Keystone Heights.
Dogs allowed: No
Restricted to 12 participants due to limited parking at trailhead. Suggest carpooling so we can include more hikers.

RSVP deadline: Nov 13, 2024.

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