FL>Hidden Pond, Ocala National Forest>Sept 23-25, 2016>Summer's Last Gasp Hang

[HiredGun]

One question about parking, does anyone have experience with parking at Pat's Island? Is there a dedicated lot or parking area there? I'm trying to decide if I should drive my older car or my newer car to leave there for a few nights . I'm guessing that Juniper Springs has more accommodation for parking, yes?

[FireSweeper]

Pats Island trail head is right off of a dirt road as is the short trail, as always there is
a chance for something to happen to vehicles. Juniper does offer secured parking but you pay a hefty fee per night for it.

[jshay]

Copying lilricky's gps points from last year's planning thread. I found them to be very helpful during my first trip to this area last year. Overnight parking at Juniper Springs for backpackers is $12.72 per vehicle.

Here's Hidden Pond: https://www.google.com/maps/place/29...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0
Here's Pat's Island Trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/place/29...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0
Here's Juniper Springs Campground: https://www.google.com/maps/place/29...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0
Here's Hidden Pond Short Trailhead: https://www.google.com/maps/place/29...!3m1!1s0x0:0x0

[life_scout]

One question about parking, does anyone have experience with parking at Pat's Island? Is there a dedicated lot or parking area there? I'm trying to decide if I should drive my older car or my newer car to leave there for a few nights . I'm guessing that Juniper Springs has more accommodation for parking, yes?

We have never had vehicle problems at pats island. We have been using this site for years. Use common sense as you would any where and you should be ok. Pats island has room for 6-8 cars as long as nobody parks like a jerk. About the same at hidden pond short.

Juniper springs has parking as well. That's a nice morning hike to hidden pond. A bit exposed to the sun for a mid afternoon trip.

[Floridahanger]

We have never had vehicle problems at pats island. We have been using this site for years. Use common sense as you would any where and you should be ok. Pats island has room for 6-8 cars as long as nobody parks like a jerk. About the same at hidden pond short.

Juniper springs has parking as well. That's a nice morning hike to hidden pond. A bit exposed to the sun for a mid afternoon trip.

A couple year's back, Ember and I parked at Pat's Island and shuttled to Juniper Springs with O-Boy to hike in. He likes this because he then has Sunday to spend in the Springs and shower.

Last year, I think, FLRider had his bike seat chewed on by a bear at Pat's Island. So be bear aware in the Forest and don't leave a bear snack in your car.

[2 Samuel 22]

We have parked at both Pat's Island and Juniper Springs last year. Pat's Island is shorter/easier for sure. The small parking lot is a fair distance off the paved road and we did not have any issues there.

Although Juniper Springs is a longer hike there are two things I really like about it: secured parking, and taking a nice hot shower after you hike back to the car.

If I can get someone to cover an event on that Sunday I might actually make it out to this hang. I'll put myself down as a maybe.



Please add yourself so we have an idea if we need to send a search party for you.

1) Floridahanger: Fri-Sun, 10ish AM, Hidden Pond Short
2) Nightlibra: Fri-Sun, 10ish AM, Hidden Pond Short
3) Pheonix6579 +2: Fri-Sun, Morning, Hidden Pond Short
6) Snowman82(Ashhang): Fri-Sun, Late afternoon,
7) Grinder: , ,
8) Cooloz91 +2: Fri-Sun, 4 PMish, Hidden Pond Short
11) Fire sweeper +2: Fri-Sun, 9-11 AM, Hidden Pond Short
14) Nukeofhazard: Fri-Sun, 9 AM, Juniper Springs
15) Craigc: Fri-Sun, Evening, Pat's Island
16) Life Scout: Fri-Sun, Afternoon,
17) C+1: Fri-Sun, Afternoon,
18) Ridgehanger: Fri-Sun, Mid afternoon,
19) Birdiesgirl: Fri - Sun, mid afternoon, Hidden Pond Short or Pat's Island, haven't decided which
20) Hiredgun: Fri-Sun, noonish, Pat's Island
21) jshay: Fri-Sun, 4pm-ish, from somewhere
22) hmchristian: Fri-Sun, 4pm-ish, from somewhere

A) Zuki: Definite Maybe
B) HangNyak: Maybe
C) Bla1z3: Maybe
D) Moonshiner: Maybe
E) 2 Samuel 22: Maybe

Lilricky: Fri-Sun, we will be talking about you in one way or another.

[Grinder]

I'm starting to get eager as next Friday grows near!!

So, since I have let physical exercise really lapse this.summer, I actually loaded up 25 lbs in my daypack and walked around the lake. OOOF!! I am out of shape.

I plan on walking the 4 miles with pack every day this week.

If I feel any stronger, I will park at Juniper Springs and hike in from there. If I still feel puny, I will walk in from Hidden Pond Short. \

See You then!!

[life_scout]

Camped last night with the scouts in Ocala. No air moment at all. I was tired it's been a long week. No underquilt at all. I slept good all night. Still patches of rain here and there. Heavy at times so always be ready for it. See you guys in a few days.

[BearBurrito]

We have parked at both Pat's Island and Juniper Springs last year. Pat's Island is shorter/easier for sure. The small parking lot is a fair distance off the paved road and we did not have any issues there.

Although Juniper Springs is a longer hike there are two things I really like about it: secured parking, and taking a nice hot shower after you hike back to the car.

If I can get someone to cover an event on that Sunday I might actually make it out to this hang. I'll put myself down as a maybe.



Please add yourself so we have an idea if we need to send a search party for you.

1) Floridahanger: Fri-Sun, 10ish AM, Hidden Pond Short
2) Nightlibra: Fri-Sun, 10ish AM, Hidden Pond Short
3) Pheonix6579 +2: Fri-Sun, Morning, Hidden Pond Short
6) Snowman82(Ashhang): Fri-Sun, Late afternoon,
7) Grinder: , ,
8) Cooloz91 +2: Fri-Sun, 4 PMish, Hidden Pond Short
11) Fire sweeper +2: Fri-Sun, 9-11 AM, Hidden Pond Short
14) Nukeofhazard: Fri-Sun, 9 AM, Juniper Springs
15) Craigc: Fri-Sun, Evening, Pat's Island
16) Life Scout: Fri-Sun, Afternoon,
17) C+1: Fri-Sun, Afternoon,
18) Ridgehanger: Fri-Sun, Mid afternoon,
19) Birdiesgirl: Fri - Sun, mid afternoon, Hidden Pond Short or Pat's Island, haven't decided which
20) Hiredgun: Fri-Sun, noonish, Pat's Island
21) jshay: Fri-Sun, 4pm-ish, from somewhere

22) hmchristian: Fri-Sun, 4pm-ish, from somewhere

A) Zuki: Definite Maybe
B) HangNyak: Maybe
C) Bla1z3: Maybe
D) Moonshiner: Maybe
E) 2 Samuel 22: Maybe

Lilricky: Fri-Sun, we will be talking about you in one way or another.

Bearburrito coming in Friday after work. Leaving Sat afternoon.


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[Snowman82]

I go out to ocala national forest all the time. I have never had a problem with leaving my car for a couple days. When I'm out hiking.