Colt Creek State Park 8 to 12 mile flatwoods trail hike!!

Hello peeps, let's do an 8 to 12 mile hike at Colt Creek State Park. Colt Creek was hit hard by Milton but staff, etc., have been hard at work, clearing trees and debris. The red highlighting on the event image shows what was cleared on the flatwoods trail as of last week. I was told yesterday that the cleared trail might be wet in places if we get any rain. Sounds like it's time to show Colt Creek a little love!

On November 30, we will meet in the Mack Lake parking lot at 815am and begin hiking at 830am sharp. We will make our way over to marker 36 and hike clockwise. Please anticipate a few wet areas on the trail, back tracking as needed, and sometimes hiking on the road, with the objective of doing at least 10 miles but possibly 12 under sometimes difficult conditions. I have no idea how much shade we will have or how buggy it will be. As we get closer to the date, I will check with the park to learn about emerging trail conditions and will draw a route in Gaia so we will have a plan a and a backup if needed. This is a rain or shine event unless it's raining constantly on that day.

There is a $4 fee per car to enter the park. The trail is well marked but you can always ask for a hiking map when you pay. The park gates open at 8am. There are bathrooms and water at the ranger station and also at Mack Lake.

On the drive in and on the trail, you might see a variety of animals including birds, deer, otters, squirrels, and tortoises. The trails at Colt Creek are absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. During the hike, we will maintain a moderate pace and take breaks as needed. About halfway through our adventure, we will stop for a 20 minute snack break.

For this hike, you will need 2 to 3 liters of water, snacks, bug spray, sunscreen, a hat, hikers (no sandals or walking shoes), and anything else you deem necessary for your comfort. You might also want to bring a ground cloth to sit on during the snack break.

My number on the day of the hike is 813-713-2492.

Read about the park at: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/colt-creek-state-park.

I am asking that everyone signs up (no guests) so everyone can agree to the waiver and agree to the following conditions:

ASSUMPTION OF RISK

YOUR ATTENDANCE AT 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 and fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, dehydration, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, and falling trees.

I am not a professional guide, just a volunteer for the group.