OCTOBER 2021

What: Tent Camping, hiking and biking
Where: Hillsborough River State Park
When: October 1, 4pm October 3, 4pm
Who: Florida Trail Association Members
RSVP: Joanne Walker – joannekwalker@gmail.com

Description:
Camping, hiking, biking Hillsborough River State Park
Approximately a 3 hour drive from Naples to Hillsborough River State Park taking I 75.
Reservations have been made for 3 tent sights. Tent camping will be for two nights, Friday and Saturday. Camping will include a fee of $25.00 per night. This includes water and electricity. Restrooms and showers are within walking distance. We have a picnic table and fire ring.
The Hillsborough River is the central natural feature of the park. The expansive river flows from two northern sources, the Green Swamp and Crystal Springs. You will see an actual Class II rapid and experience many historical sites as you walk where the Seminole Indian War took place in the 1800’s.
We will take a walk along our Wetlands Trail that winds through multiple ecosystems, a typical feature found in Florida. Predators such as hawks and bobcats peruse the area looking for their next meal. Enthusiastic birdwatchers will be delighted at the vast array of birds that can be seen flying about.
One notable rare plant is the blazing star flower. This delicate, high-reaching plant blooms from the top down, unlike other flowers that tend to bloom from the bottom up. The pink and purple petals love the sun and are a favorite for monarch butterflies and hummingbirds. We will have the option to choose from four hiking trails, which total approximately 7.3 total miles. Along the Hillsborough River, the trails take hikers through a dense, hydric hammock forest and provide interpretive displays, changing elevations and a multitude of opportunities to view and photograph nature.
Friday: Set up tents and a short hike at sunset followed by a campfire and s’mores.
Saturday: we will start off with a morning bike ride of 8.7 miles followed by lunch and then a walk to visit the Class II Rapids. Pot luck dinner will be at 6. Please bring a dish that will serve 8 people.
Sunday: A morning 2.2 bike loop around the park. Pack up and meet for lunch at Portillo’s in Brandon Florida. 1748 W Brandon Blvd.
Hiking: Moderate to rigorous trails. Some trails are paved and some are not.
Biking: 2.2 mile loop and a 6.7 mile bike trail.

Additional Information:
Parking fee is 6 dollars per car unless you have a state park pass which would make it free, restrooms, water are available for each tent site.

Recommended Attire:
Light colored sports attire, along with long pants and long sleeve shirts for hanging out around the camp site.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Equipment will vary by individual.
Also see: http://bit.ly/Consider2Bring

Links:
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hillsborough-river-state-park

Activity Leader:
Brenda Carneri
239-370-3393
bkcscuba@aol.com

Activity Co-Leader
Joanne Walker
239-233-4777
joannekwalker@gmail.com

Please review the Florida Trail Association Covid-19 9/14/21 Policy