12.14.2024, 9 miles +/-, Green Swamp West hike (McNeil Entrance Gate)

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND 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 & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees. This list is not all inclusive.

Please be aware of my hiking philosophy. I hike the trail in the condition that it is at the time of the hike. If the trail is dry my feet stay dry. If the trail is wet and/or covered in water, my feet and maybe my pants get wet. Please be willing to make the commitment to completing this hike before you RSVP. Hope to see you on the trail!

Hike Rating: Rated as moderate due to distance, approximately 9 miles plus, possible wet trail conditions, and some bushwhacking dependent on trail maintenance. Wet path tread and/or standing water is a possibility in sections on this trail at this time of year. The trail passes through forested and open areas. Please plan according to your hiking abilities. This hike would be an enjoyable challenge for those just beginning their hiking adventures.

Of all the hikes I host each year this is my most favorite hike. There has always been something new to discover or observe each year. Please join me as I trek the trail and possibly bushwhack on overgrown sections of it. This hike never disappoints!

The hike will depart from the Green Swamp West McNeil Entrance Gate on Hwy 471. 9:00 a.m. is the start walking time for this hike. There is no day use fee. No restrooms or water available at trailhead.

No pets on this hike please as we may be bushwhacking on some of these trails.

After the hike I'll be going to The Red Top Pit Stop, 12160 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809-1072. I would very much enjoy it if you joined me for lunch!

Make sure to:
wear proper hiking footwear and clothing.
adequate quantity of water. 2 quarts or 2 liters highly recommended
bug spray/sunscreen
food/snacks

(813) 376-5040 day of the hike.
https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/green-swamp-west-tract