Florida Swamp Runners' March 2011 Hike-n-Hang

**islander** · 01-26-2011, 19:54

I like the thought of fewer people seen from the trail. And accessible water is always a plus. Anything we end up going with will be new to me.
Looking forward to some good times in the woods, and on the trail. Especially from the hammock.

**MAD777** · 01-26-2011, 20:47

Someplace that has a bit less underbrush than Buck Lake, where we would likely hang

I know, that's a tough order

**MrDevil5811** · 01-26-2011, 21:30

Hidden Pond in ONF is nice I've stayed there twice, lots of water and good trees for hanging. Just a suggestion. I don’t know about any loops, we might have to do an out and back or shuttle.

**JaxHiker** · 01-26-2011, 23:32

If you do that it's probably better to figure out a way to shuttle between Juniper and Hopkins Prairie. I'm not sure about Hopkins but I know you'll have to pay for parking at Juniper.

**MrDevil5811** · 01-26-2011, 23:46

I believe Hopkins Prairie has limited free parking. If we do that we can also do the Yearling Trail Loop, there is a cemetery on that trail (I've hung near it, SPOOKY).

**lilricky** · 01-27-2011, 08:55

Yeah, Pat's island parking area only can handle about 7-8 vehicles. Although you could park along the forest road that runs to the parking area.

**Flackfizer** · 01-27-2011, 12:06

The yearling loop is short (5.5 officially stated). What can it combine with get well into double digits for a weekend?

**MrDevil5811** · 01-27-2011, 17:46

Juniper Springs to Hopkins Prairie is 10.5 miles (Juniper Springs to Hidden Pond is 5.3 miles), add the Yearling Trail that's another 5.5 miles, for a grand total of approximately 16 miles for the weekend.

Overview
Location: Ocala National Forest
Length: 10.5 miles
Lat-Long: 29.276587, -81.687867 (Hopkins), 29.180100, -81.712900 (Juniper)
Type: linear
Fees / Permits: parking fee at Juniper Springs
Good for: backpacking, birding, camping, birding, dogs
Difficulty: 3 of 5
Bug factor: 2 of 5
Restroom: At Juniper Springs

Potable water is available at Juniper Springs. The trail crosses two small creeks that feed Juniper Run, and passes many prairie ponds where you can easily filter water. During hunting season, camping is permitted only at the Juniper Springs Campground (fee), Hopkins Prairie Campground (fee), and Hidden Pond.