About Us

The Alligator Amblers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) serves Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties and provides local hikers with numerous opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, paddling and trail maintenance.

Our parent organization the FTA is dedicated to building and maintaining the 1300 mile Florida National Scenic Trail streching from the Big Cypress Swamp, around Lake Okeechobee, through Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests to Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach.  The Alligator Amblers assist in this mission by supporting and maintaing an eight mile portion of the Florida Trail south of I-75 in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve as well as the 6.5 mile loop trail at Collier-Seminole State Park.

Also the Alligator Amblers has assisted in building and maintaining trails in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Collier County as well as Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park and Prairie Pines Preserve in Lee County among others.

Meetings

We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month (except July and August) at 7 PM at the Bass Pro Shops, 10040 Gulf Center Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913.  Take I-75 to Exit 128, Alico Road then go east to the Gulf Coast Town Center and turn right. You are welcome to join us!  Most of our meetings feature educational and entertaining speakers. Come early at 6:30 PM to socialize.

Each month there is a presentation on an outdoor related topic, followed by a discussion of upcoming activities and trail related events.   Afterwards, many gather at the Islamorada Restaurant for food and socializing.

Activities

Activities are scheduled throughout the year, more are planned during the cooler months.  These outdoor events include day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, car camping, trail maintenance, plus both day and overnight paddling and biking events.  The public is welcome to all monthly meetings and many activities.  Some activities must limit the number of persons or tents due to ecological, space or other factors.  A few activities may only be available to FTA members to help the trip leader insure that all are capable of safely participating.  These few activities may be more difficult or strenuous or more remotely located than most.

Read each activity notice carefully.  You must contact the Activity Leader in person in advance to reserve a place in the activity.  A link is provided to redirect you to the Activity Leader's e-mail when available and a phone number.  Realize that our activities are governed by the rules set forth by the FTA and are typically less casual than your typical Meetup event.  Therefore we must insist on direct phone or e-mail contact with the Activity Leader in advance of the event.

Fisheating Creek Sub-chapter

In the summer of 2010, we started sponsoring a new Sub-Chapter.  The Fisheating Creek (FEC) Sub-Chapter will serve Glades and Hendry Counties focusing on the Moore Haven, LaBelle and Clewiston area near Lake Okeechobee.  Activities for FEC Sub-Chapter will be listed on this and other Alligator Ambler internet locations.  Of course, both chapters welcome all newcomers and other members.