Notice No. 2006-024

Notices to Hikers Comments (0)

Submittal Name   Marian Lichtler
Title                     Land Manager
Phone                   (863) 452-4254
Email                   marian.lichtler@avonpark.macdill.af.mil
Map No.               33-Three Lakes, 34-Kissimmee River and 35-Highlands/Okeechobee
Perm. Change?    Yes
Effective Date      11/09/2006
This is an update of Notice to Hikers 2006-012.

Due to increased mission planning at Avon Park Air Force Range, the Florida Trail is frequently closed during the week.  However, the trail is usually open from noon on Friday through Sunday or Monday evening.  The Florida Trail crosses Management Areas 10 and 10A. 

Hikers should call APAFR recreation office the week of their hike through the range at 863-452-4254 (Thursday:  Noon to 8:00pm, Friday thru Sunday: 6:00am to 8:00pm, Monday: 7:30am to 8:00pm) to make sure the trail is open for hiking.  Hikers can also get a recorded briefing on closures by calling 863-452-4119, ext 5.  Closures will be posted on the Range recreation website at http://www.avonparkafr.com.  In addition, closures will be posted on the registration kiosks at the south and north trail entrances to the Range.  
 
Thru hikers should plan on calling the Avon Park from Okeechobee (north-bound) or the Three Lakes area (south-bound).  The following temporary route is recommended if Avon Park is closed:

North-bound: from the intersection of US 98 and CR 68 just south of Basinger, head east on CR 68 (NW 160 St) approximately 10.5 miles.  At the junction of CR 68 and US 441, follow US 441 north approximately 23 miles to the intersection of US 441 and SR 60 at Yeehaw Junction.  In Yeehaw Junction is the historic Desert Inn and Restaurant with affordable rooms and meals.  From Yeehaw Junction follow SR 60 west approximately 15 miles to rejoin the trail at the entrance to Three Lakes WMA.  Watch for extremely heavy, high-speed truck traffic along both US 441 and SR 60.

FTA Staff @ November 9, 2006