WAF35 - Oscar Scherer State Park - 6/10k walk

About this event

Join us in the Bradenton, FL area for the 35th edition of "Walk Around Florida" (WAF35) - a three-day weekend walking festival sponsored by the Happy Wanderers, Mid-Florida Milers (Orlando) and Suncoast Sandpipers (Tampa) of Central Florida, and one of the 50th Anniversary festivals for #AmericasWalkingClub in 2026!! We expect 100+ walkers for our events this weekend, participating individually, couples, or small groups. You may be pre-registered (for brochure - see our website: www.happywanderersfl.org) or register same day at Shelter 3 inside the park - near the Nature Center. Start times are between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and the event closes NLT 4:00 pm. There is also official registration for the weekend at our hotel - the Quality Inn Bradenton / Sarasota North - 6727 14th St W US 41, Bradenton, FL 34207 -- from 12 noon to 6:00pm At Oscar Scherer State Park, enjoy a scenic trail through scrub and pine flatwoods, home to a variety of wildlife, including the Florida Scrub Jay, By the walk start is an interpretive Nature Center with dioramas and souvenirs. There are two 5K loops for this event through the park: one circling out and around "Big Lake" and the other following the South Creek to the Ranger Station (at entrance) and returning. Maps and written directions will be provided to all participants. The walks are AVA-rated 1B (mostly flat and easy on dirt trails) and are suitable for rough-terrain strollers but NOT for wheelchairs. We recommend participants carry water, wear a hat for the sun and consider sunscreen and bug spray as desired. The event is $4.00 for all participants 12 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. IVV credit will be available for all participants. AVA Special programs are listed in the registration brochure. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From I-75N: take exit 195 to Laurel Rd E. Left and go 3 miles to US-4/ Tamiami Tr. Right and go 2.5 mi to park entrance on right. Enter park and follow park road to Nature Center parking and Shelter 3. From I-75S: take exit 200 for FL-681 S toward Venice/Osprey. Right 3 mi to US-41/Tamiami Tr. Right about 2 miles to park, on right. Enter; follow park road to parking/shelter 3. From hotel: Exit parking lot to 14 St. W (US-41). Left; go 20 miles, following US-41/Tamiami Trail signs through Sarasota to Osprey and turn Left into park entrance. Follow park road to Nature Center parking and Shelter 3.