First Annual Florida Hang (a monster event in the making....)

[TFC Rick]

Of course, count me in.

I might suggest: The Suwannee River section of the Florida trail that I just completed near White Springs (see my trip report). What would make it cool is folks who aren't into a longish hike can canoe along. There is a historic hotel in White springs that might be interesting to crash for a night. It's a turn-of-the-century spa/hotel that was once a getaway for the wealthy who wanted to experience the medicinal effects of the spring. Also; might be fun to schedule it to coinside with a music fesival weekend at the Spirit of the Suwannee park - I understand that the music festivals there are a 24 hour/day good time (they do have primitive camping (for hammocks), regular campsites and cabin accomodation too). I suspect spouses, family and girlfriends will be interested in going to FL this winter even if they don't want to hike or hammock.

The FL Greenway is also a great option (other trip report).

I'm up for any of the other suggestions as well.

I would love to do this trip. I was digging all the pics in your trip report. I had difficulty with your Every trail link though, it just showed the pic of the outpost van.

Rick

[Damifino]

The only thing in the everytrail page that isn't included in my trip report here is the actual GPS data. All the pictures are the same.

The shuttle driver at the Canoe Outpost told me that there is a section of trail on the East side of White Springs that is along Florida's only class 3 rapids. He said it is a sight when the water is high and blasting through there. The trail on the West side of White Springs is closed when the water is high because there is no passage over the branch ravines. Winter is the dry season so I don't think it will be an issue.

[Buffalo Skipper]

I too, may be interested, as a newee, to see what everyone else does and to learn from it. Being from the original Florida, I would welcome any of you to come up north and see what it is really like here.

Took the boy scout troop 2x in 2009 to the Suwannee area, once on the FT and once on a 60 mile canoe trip on the river (January and August). Great area. And it may be close enough for me to make it that way. The Suwannee Music festival is a zoo. I would encourage another time.

Another good spot (and closer for me but further for many of you) would be Torreya State Park. There is 20+ miles of hiking trails, and some of the most scenic areas I have ever seen in the state. The terrain is actually quite hilly, and not what you would expect.

[TFC Rick]

The only thing in the everytrail page that isn't included in my trip report here is the actual GPS data.

That is what I was looking for ^

I may get adventurous and try it myself pre-hang.

Rick

[Damifino]

The Suwannee Music festival is a zoo. I would encourage another time.

I have a moderate interest in going to one of the music festivals there (with my wife). Is it something you don't reccomend at all or just not the right environment for a hammock outing?

...closer for me but further for many of you) would be Torreya State Park.

It might not be farther for most... I hope a bunch of Northerners come down here for this. The panhandle might be more accessable for them than the Greenway or Ocala. I have read that Torreya is one of prettiest parks in FL, it might be a great option.

With the Suwannee section right on I-75 it's a snap for anyone who's driving. If there's a bunch flying in, we might want to consider somewhere else. How far is JAX?

Near the airports:
I don't know of any great paces near Orlando. The places I know of near Tampa (nearby for me) are not particularly stunning (unless you like pine trees, saw palmettos and sugar sand). I've never hiked near Miami or Jacksonville.

HA! Maybe we can do a group hang at the KOA in the Keys. Hammocks are a classic compliment to palm trees and tiki bars.

[MAD777]

Buffalo Skipper, I know what you mean about the hilly part of Florida. I actually am from Pensacola but haven't been back there for over 30 years.

The only problem with the State Park system is the hammock ban

[Damifino]

Just checked out the music festival weekends @ Sprirt of Suwannee. I'm with ya Buffalo Skipper, it looks like a $175 per person woodstock wannabe. Last weekend there was no special events and it was a quiet out of the way place. I would never have guessed. I think it's only an option of it's NOT a festival weekend.

[TFC Rick]

Jacksonville is about an hour East of I-75. There really isn't a ton of stuff in the North east that would be hang worthy.

Panhaddle might just be the best bet?

Or that Suwannee trip, seems awesome.

Rick

[Damifino]

OK - Here are location ideas:

1) Suwannee
2) Panhandle (possibly Apalachicola N.F.??)
3) Everglades
4) Cross Florida Greenway
5) Ocala N.F.

I'll add more if anyone wants something included. State parks are out because of the no hammock regs there.

Let's here your votes!

[skrewloose]

I think O.N.F. would be an ideal place, centrally located for people coming from N. and S. Florida. It also has about 70 miles of FT running thru it, with lots of camping options.