The Allen Alvater nature trail is named after an amazing man who was highly influential in the town of Sebring and also served as the third superintendent of the Sebring CCC camps. He spent almost six years in that position and later became the park manager. He wrote several books about Sebring, including one on Highlands Hammock. I continue to reference this publication on a regular basis while researching different things in the park. Many of the photographs on other cache pages were taken from the book (with permission). So, even you have had the chance to see how influential and important Mr. Alvater and his family have been to this park.
As you walk this trail, take in the outstanding beauty of this portion of the park. It really is an amazing walk, whether you decide to do it during the day or at night. You are on the lower end of the seepage slope, walking uphill into the pine flatwoods and grasslands.
Because this trail is located directly off of the main campground, the fire tacks that begin this night cache do not begin until the bridge on the Allen Alvater nature trail. If you are not camping please reference the provided parking coordinates. There is no need to bushwhack to the bridge, there is a large sign marking the trailhead. However, because the trailhead is so close to campsites, please be respectful of the campers and keep your flashlights directed at the ground until you reach the bridge.
It is about a 20-30 minute walk to the final cache site. You will have to follow green firetacks, which indicate what direction to go. The final cache location is marked by two firetacks. After finding the cache, please replace it as you found it and make your way back. The trail makes a large loop, so you can follow the markers backward or continue down the trail. Either way, you will end up back to where you started.
Night caches in Highlands Hammock are accessible during the day... although not as much fun. Night caches are easily accessible to campers. However, if you are not camping but would still like to access night caches at night this may done by arriving at the ranger station before night fall and checking in. There will be a fee of $8.00 per vehicle and you will be required to park in a designated area. You may also complete the night caches by attending a night geocaching program or event.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.