Coming Events

May Paddle

Thursday May 7th in the Kings Bay area, details to follow....

May Bike

Robin Tharp will lead the NC Ramblers May Bike Ride on the Good Neighbor Trail in Brooksville 

Date:  Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Time:  Ready to ride at 9:30 AM

If you plan to ride, please RSVP Robin, email tharpy05@yahoo.com, or text 570-452-4731.

Location:  Russell Street Park, 70 Russell St., Brooksville, FL 34601.  Park adjacent to the 1885 Train Depot and Countryman Family One Room Schoolhouse Museum.  There is a restroom at the park.

Directions:  From Citrus County, take US 98 or US 41 south to Brooksville.  Turn south onto South Main Street and follow to Russell Street.

Description:  We will ride the trail from the Russell Street Park to the Withlacoochee Trail and return.  The trail is eastbound from Brooksville, crossing US 98, which is always busy.  Once past the intersection it is mostly shaded and away from roads, with a few crossings.  This is an out and back ride, which will be about 20 miles round trip.  Participants can return on the trail to Russell Street Park at any point, if a shorter ride is preferable.

Pace:  The pace will be leisurely, whatever you are comfortable riding.

A few biking reminders:

Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that can carriy risk. Check your bike tires for proper inflation, a bell or whistle and helmets are recommended.  Carry adequate fluids to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen and/or a hat, and insect repellent. You might consider a small first aid kit and/or a tool kit.  Stay with the group, and if you must depart before the end of the bike trip, let the Leader know. 

Trail Safety and Etiquette:  

Stay to the right except when passing.

Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing.

Give clear warning when passing (i.e. Passing on your left.)

Watch out for traffic at road crossings.

 While riding the trail,stay to the right and let other riders know when passing on the left. 

Lunch:  There are many options for lunch in the area.  You can also bring your lunch and enjoy it in the park after the ride.

NOTE!  If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms, or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk or prevent you from staying with the group, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully, you can join us when you have recovered. 

May Hike

Not yet scheduled

Adopt-a-Road

Cleanup

Adopt-a-Road Cleanup 

The Ramblers positively contribute to our community by collecting trash along Lecanto Highway 4 times a year.  

We cover a two-mile area, splitting into groups to collect litter along an approximate one-mile segment each. It should take about an hour to 1.5 hour.

Date: Saturday May 2nd. 

Time: Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the midpoint of the two-mile stretch (one mile north and one mile south of the signs).  (Look for yellow markers on  each side of the road.) 

This is where you will get supplies  (orange vests, gloves, trash bags) and divide into groups.

If you have your own grabber tool, bring it. Wear comfortable clothes and bring water to stay hydrated. Sometimes the grass has not yet been mowed and can be quite tall.

Location: CR 491 / Lecanto Hwy south of W. Grover Cleveland Blvd. The location is north of W. Cardinal St. The southern end is at 5335 S Lecanto Hwy.

There are blue Nature Coast Rambler  ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY signs  at each end of the 2 mile stretch.  

If you can join us,  PLEASE  RSVP to    Albobgale@gmail.com  952-221-2482

April Paddle

Jill is leading the NC ramblers April Paddle.

RSVP to Jill at jillceriani@gmail.com or text (352) 464-3616 if you will be there.

Date:  Wednesday, April 8th (Rain date Thursday April 9th). 

Rescheduled to Friday April 10th.

Time to meet:  8:30 am for a 9 am launch.

Location Hernando Beach Public Boat Ramp

Directions to 3699 E. Orange Dr., Hernando.  East on CR486 Norvell Bryant then left on HWY41 N Florida Ave, with an immediate right on to E. Orange Dr. There is trailer and regular parking at the boat ramp, and car parking at the entrance to the beach. Rest rooms are available.

Description:  The paddle will take a mostly a shoreline exploration of three Tsala Apopka Lakes from a beach launch in Hernando.  It is not difficult and there are few, if any impediments.  The route is 7 miles, up to 9 miles depending on the groups desire at the time. There are several beach areas for those wishing to take a short break. At this time the weather is predicted to be partly sunny with a high of 82 degrees, and winds at 5 mph gusting to 10 mph.  Lunch to be determined.

A few paddling reminders:

Most paddles suit intermediate kayakers who can handle 3 - 6 miles over 2–3 hours, sometimes in windy and choppy water. A Touring kayak is most suitable. If you have concerns, contact the paddle event leader before arriving that morning. 

Stay with the group: Let the leader lead!   If you must depart before the paddle ends, let the Leader or Sweep know.  

Please!!!  Don't enter the water before the Leader gives the ok at the pre-launch meeting. Don't crowd the launch area and be courteous to other boats.

A First Aid kit and a tow rope are also recommended.                          

 Bring water, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellant  

 Required safety gear:

 PFD and communication devices are required  to have with you on your vessel (i.e.whistle, walkie-talkie, marine radio, cell phone) You are responsible for your own safety.

NOTE!  If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms, or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk or prevent you from staying with the group, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully, you can join us when you have recovered. 

April Bike

Alan Gale is leading the NC Ramblers April bike ride.

Date:  Thursday April 16th / Rain Date:  Friday April 17th
Location:  Nature Coast Trail starting at the Chamber of Commerce, Chiefland.   23 SE 2nd Avenue   Chiefland, Florida 32626   (Old Train Depot Station)
Time to meet:  9:30 am / Ride start: 9:45 am  

Please remember to wear your name tags; they help us put a face to the name.

 Directions: (From Crystal River) Take US Highway 19/98 north towards Inglis and onto Chiefland (~ 46 miles).   When entering Chiefland and passing the Marathon gas station, prepare to turn right in the next ½ mile;  you’ll pass a yellow building (carpet sales) and the Old Depot appears just past that building; turn right on SE 2nd Avenue and you have arrived.
         
NOTE: Restrooms are available.

Description: The full ride will be a 25 mile roundtrip pedal on the Nature Coast Trail. Starting in Chiefland we’ll head north on the flat, paved and smooth multi-use trail; which is partially tree canopied to the “Tee” junction (Wilcox Junction).  At that point we are about 10.5 miles into the journey and could be a good place to stop for those wanting a shorter ride.   The main attraction is still another 2 miles to the west to get to the Suwannee River bridge crossing.  That’s our destination where we’ll turn around and come back the same way.  We should be back at the Train Depot Station around 12:00 / 12:30 pm.

A few biking reminders:

Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that is not without risk. Check your bike tires for proper inflation. A bell or whistle and helmets are recommended.  Carry adequate fluids to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen and/or hat, and insect repellent. You might consider a first-aid kit and/or a tool kit.  Stay with the group. If you must depart before the end of the bike trip, let the leader know. 

Trail Safety and Etiquette:  

Stay to the right except when passing.

Pass slower traffic on the left; yield to oncoming traffic when passing. Give clear warning when passing (i.e. “Passing on your left.”) Watch out for traffic at road crossings.

Lunch options: Beef-O-Brady’s (north Chiefland);  Betts Big T;  Burger House;  Las Quina Mexican; Bar-B-Q Bills;  and assorted national outlets
RSVP with a phone number and email to Al at albobgale@gmail.com  or 952-221-2482 by Wednesday 15 April, with your lunch preference. 

NOTE! 

If you are ill, have respiratory symptoms, or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk or unable to stay with the group, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully, you can join us when you have recovered.

April Hike

Max Schulman is leading the April 2026 Hike at Silver Lake. Day Use Area on Tuesday 21 April

Date:  Tuesday 21 April (rain date Thursday 23 April)   

Location:  Silver Lake Day Use Hiking Trail  (Withlacoochee State Forest/ Croom Track) 

31475 Silver Lake Rd, Brooksville, FL     28.578540, -82.217790

NOTE: A State Forest Day Use Pass is required ($2) (See instructions below to obtain a pass.)

Time: Meet at 8 am  for starting  by 8:15 am

Please RSVP to Max at m.schulman@citrustrails.com  with your name and phone number.   You will be notified if any changes or cancellations occur. This outing will be limited to 24 hikers.  

Directions To Silver Lake CG:  From Lake Lindsey Rd in Nobleton, turn south on Edgewater Ave which becomes Croom Rital Rd/ Hernando County CR 39, turn left on Silver Lake Rd 100 ft after you pass under I-75.  Or from Brooksville, go east on SR 50 to Croom Rital Rd (CR 39), turn left and go north to Silver Lake Rd just before you pass under I-75. 

Lunch: Please bring a picnic brunch to enjoy at the pavilion after the hike. 

Hike Description:  This is a short and moderately easy hike,  complete with several interesting areas along the way. It is a great way to see the two of the three camp grounds of the Silver Lake compound. Be aware that park facilities other than the trails can only be taken in the Day Use area. 

We will hike along a short but very scenic area of the Withlacoochee River and then slip into the Withlacoochee State Forest.  Total hike~3.15 miles - and we will close the loop when we return to the Day Use area.  Estimated timeon the trail is (~) 1 hours 30 min.   A 5- 10 min break is planned to take place near the turn around point. Restrooms are  available only at the pavilion area.

NOTE!

 Max will be riding to Owensboro on a bike 30 min. after the hike is complete. Anyone who has never pedaled to "the end of the line" can join him to fill that square.  

Kayakers who purchase the Day Pass can launch at the Day Ramp or over the beach for a short paddle in "Silver Laker" if they wish. 

To review the Fall 2023 FTA hike on the same route, see the 3 min "Relive Video" at URL: https://www.relive.com/view/vDqgz4BNwG6   OR   https://www.relive.com/view/v4OGgK2AwmO or 

This is a great opportunity to add a short bike ride on the WST or the Good Neighbor Trail, a MB in the Croom Complex, OR do an after brunch hike in nearby 

Withlacoochee State Forest -Tucker Hill Day Use Area or on the FT heading down river toward Nobleton.

DAY USE PARKING 

A Florida State Forest Day Use Parking Pass is required.  All visitors to Silver Lake Campground can purchase day passes both at the gate and online. However, it's strongly recommended to make a reservation online, to ensure availability. You can purchase day passes and make reservations through ReserveAmerica at: 

https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=5601&contractCode=FLFS

A few hiking reminders:

Please remember that despite our efforts to keep everyone safe, our events involve physical exertion that is not without risk. Remember to bring adequate fluids to keep yourself hydrated, sunscreen and/or hat,insect repellent,and a little first aid kit . Wear sturdy shoes and consider a walking stick.  Stay with the group, and if you must depart before the end of the hike, let the Leader know.

NOTE: 

If you are ill or have a medical condition that might put you or others at risk, please don't participate in this activity.   Hopefully you can join us when you are recovered. 

Adopt-a-Road

Cleanup