About us
The Florida Trail isn't a destination it's an experience! An experience that changes daily.
The Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association is an outdoor adventure and eco-volunteering group. Our activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, and paddling events throughout the year ranging from easy to strenuous, local to regional. We FOCUS on outdoor activities in NW Florida and South Alabama woodlands and streams. Our members are outdoor enthusiasts who also enjoy building and maintaining local hiking trails.
We are the Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. We maintain the FLORIDA TRAIL (aka: Florida National Scenic Trail) in Okaloosa and Walton Counties – Chapter activities are open to the public and center on enjoying Florida’s woodlands, streams and natural areas. The Chapter maintains the FLORIDA TRAIL on the Eglin AFB Reservation (58 miles), Nokuse Section (20 miles) and the Choctawhatchee River Section (8 miles).
The Florida Trail Association is a 4,000+ member statewide organization with 19 chapters. Goal: To build and maintain the FLORIDA TRAIL and other hiking trails in Florida. Support the conservation of Florida’s natural areas.
For an overview of the types of activities we sponsor look at our PHOTO ALBUMS.
'After checking us out, membership in the Florida Trail Association is expected. Donations are welcomed and strongly encouraged. Help us keep the Florida Trail alive.'
The Florida Trail isn't a destination it's an experience!
Upcoming events
4
IDIDAHIKE 2026 at the Nokuse Land Conservancy
Sand Pond Campground, Long Leaf Rd, Ebro, FL, USSAVE THE DATES & RESERVE YOUR SLOT
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day adventure! The Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) are hosting IDIDAHIKE 2026 on Saturday, February 14th, 2026. We invite you to embark on four truly unique hikes within the breathtaking Nokuse Land Conservancy, a vital black bear and gopher tortoise sanctuary nestled within the magnificent Florida Wildlife Corridor. Imagine traversing landscapes where the wild heart of Florida beats strong, where every step takes you deeper into an ecosystem teeming with life.Registration and full details are available on the Florida Trail Website,
LINK: IDIDAHIKE – Florida Trail Association This is a fee for registration event and a major fundraiser for FTA.In addition to the hikes, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will be open to participants Saturday afternoon. Camping is available Friday (2/13) and Saturday (2/14) nights at Pine Log State Forest, Sand Pond Recreation Area and Youth Camp. Mark your calendars for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day adventure!
We are recruiting volunteers to help organize and manage the event. If you have any questions or interested in volunteering, please post a comment or contact me via Meetup direct message.
DO NOT attempt to sign-up on this MEETUP site. To Register, click on the link above.
2 attendees
West Florida Fire and Nature Festival
University of West Florida, 11000 University Pkwy, Bldg. 71, Pensacola, FL, US##### Bring the whole family for a fun, hands-on day outdoors at the West Florida Fire & Nature Festival!
This FREE, family-friendly event is designed to help kids and adults learn how prescribed fire helps protect forests, wildlife, and communities.
##### Join us for activities perfect for nature lovers of all ages:
- – Prescribed burn demonstrations at 10AM, 12PM, & 2PM
- – Fire engines, UTVs, and equipment displays
- – Guided nature hikes and educational animals
- – Free face painting, games, and a scavenger hunt
- – Tree giveaway and native plants for sale
- – Appearances by Burner Bob® the Bobwhite Quail
- – Food trucks, music, and fun for all
In case of inclement weather, the rain date for this event is March 21st.
Link to Full Details: West Florida Fire and Nature Festival9 attendees
Past events
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