Florida Paddlers & Trekkers

OUR YEAR-END TRADITION!

Let's gather at one of our favorite natural stomping grounds, to relish in the wonders of nature and celebrate our campfire fellowship - all night long! There's bound to be awesome adventures, and fun with friends, during this weekend in the woods, and as always... what happens at Highlands Hammock, stays at the hammock!

There are hookup and primitive sites available, which presents a unique opportunity for twice as much fun between the two campgrounds. Although these two areas are not really within walking distance, especially after dark, the facilities in the main grounds, and our legendary Saturday night "scrub soiree" on the primitive grounds, are easily accessible to campers from either side of the tracks, via a short car ride.

Highlands Hammock is one of Florida's oldest parks, known for its breathtaking biodiversity, abounding wildlife, and thousand-year-old oak trees. It boasts a paved, and picturesque, three-mile bike loop; nine, short and sensational nature trails; and a museum showcasing the Civilian Conservation Corps - a public work relief program that operated between 1933-1942 and was dedicated to conserve our natural resources.

We typically take it easy during one of our last events of the year, and our group activities tend to develop organically. In addition to biking, hiking, connecting with nature, and simply relaxing... the homemade ice cream at the Hammock Inn cannot be beat!

We will have some spots available on the group site, but please make site reservations ASAP, on either the primitive grounds or the main campground, through Florida State Parks' website: https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web/

Looking forward to seeing everyone out there!

Come experience Everglades National Park in all of its native glory!

This is a PRIMITIVE CAMP SITE. There is an outhouse available, but... * NO WATER and NO ELECTRIC!

We'll have a unique opportunity to live like the Miccosukee and Seminole who inhabited this region hundreds of years ago. Well... at least for two days.

Saturday morning, we'll head over to Shark Valley for a 15-mile bike ride on their paved, tram trail loop. We will get to the gate at 8:30am and start riding shortly thereafter. There is a per vehicle admission charge, so carpooling is recommended. We'll stop at the mid-point for a quick respite and bite to eat - please pack a lunch or snack, AND WATER - and while we're there, we will ascend the ramp to the observation tower. The tower is the highest elevation in the Everglades and a great opportunity to view the expanse of the glorious natural wonder of the world! The River of Grass!

Weather and trail guide permitting, we plan to trek a bit through Big Cypress National Preserve on Saturday afternoon. It will most likely be a wet, swamp hike, so closed-toe, lace-up footwear is recommended, and hiking poles are strongly encouraged. That evening, we'll return to camp for some fireside festivities and maybe a stop by a local speakeasy for some libations. Joanie's Blue Crab Cafe is also nearby.

PLEASE bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray in addition to your typical camping and outdoor adventure gear.

Bicycles are available for rent at the Shark Valley Visitors Center, but ACT FAST to reserve in advance. They typically have a tendency to sell out, particularly on a holiday weekend. https://www.sharkvalleytramtours.com/event-calendar/

PLEASE NOTE: the camping fee is dependent upon the number of attendees, but it will be nominal. We will update prior to event date.

Hope to see you out there!