We began geocaching in 2006 in South Florida. We took a long hiatus while we wrestled life with 3 teenagers and then when our kids grew up and moved away from home, we chased a dream and relocated to North Florida because all of the green space up here called to our souls. Trails. Parks. Springs. TONS of adventures in the great outdoors and most importantly we got back to geocaching.
The Smiles For Miles series meanders along one of our favorite features of Chiefland, the beautiful Nature Coast State Trail. This trail system is 32 miles long and stretches out from Chiefland all the way north to Cross City and from Fanning Springs east to Trenton. Much of this trail runs along train routes of the old days when that was the easiest way to travel this area.
There is ample parking all along the trail with places to jump onto the paved walkway. Please make sure you pull your vehicle off the road when you park. The trail is completely paved and flat making it perfect for hiking, biking or skating. No motorized vehicles are permitted and leashed pets will love it.
You will be hunting for various camouflaged micro containers that are located just off the trail. Containers are NOT on the ground. NONE of the hides require you to bushwhack or otherwise disturb the vegetation along the pathway. Please tread carefully and return the caches exactly as you found them. Tweezers and a pen will be good items to have with you as you tackle this series. Containers hold a log ONLY.
Along this trail you can see hawks, eagles, rabbits, bobcats, coyotes and gopher tortoises that are common in our area and the beauty of it is that on this stretch, you are never far away from town.
We hope you will enjoy the quietness of our small town and the beauty that we have fallen in love with here.