FL > Panhandle > New Years > St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge Through-Hike

**WaffleBox** · 12-15-2014, 19:46

Howdy folks! I have a 4-day weekend over New Years (Jan 1-4) and I want to take advantage of the opportunity to do a through-hike of the St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge south of Tallahassee. Here's a description of the hike from their website:

This segment of the Trail provides a primitive hiking experience through Gulf coastal pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and a saltmarsh wilderness.**The terrain is flat and dry over most of the Trail except during periods of heavy rain. Approximately 15 miles of the Trail follow Refuge roads which are closed to vehicles and offer easy hiking.**Several blue‐blazed spur and loop trails extend off the main trail.**

Here's a link to more info: http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/FNST-SMNWR.pdf

It is part of the Florida trail, and the total hike is about 45 miles which will be done over 4 days. I'm in the very early planning stages, but wanted to throw it out there in case anybody else is interested. Let me know!

**robblandon** · 12-15-2014, 20:03

I'll be watching.

**geronimo** · 12-15-2014, 20:10

Hey let us know how it goes, we've had very little rain this year so the trail should be in great shape!! Bring your bug spray!!

**kikstand454** · 12-15-2014, 22:42

Yeah...this is almost my back yard. Lol. Its going to be a blast, but no-see sums and reptiles on warm days should be prepared for.

I wish my gang and I were ready for such a trek. Maybe ill see you... I kayak fish the area fairly regularly.

**itsandy** · 12-16-2014, 12:54

Don't pass up Sheppard Spring!

**Ridgehanger** · 12-16-2014, 13:08

Man if i had the gear set for a trip like this i be all over it !!!

**Life Scout** · 12-16-2014, 20:56

I'm watching this I would like to do this trip. Work will decide if I can make it.

**WaffleBox** · 12-16-2014, 22:23

Originally Posted by Life Scout

I'm watching this I would like to do this trip. Work will decide if I can make it.

When do you think you will know if you can do it?

**MAD777** · 12-17-2014, 06:07

I can't make this hike but I wanted to tell anyone contemplating it that this is a beautiful area that you won't soon forget. It's been many years since I've been there, but the memories are still vivid.