Florida Trail - North Florida Trailblazers

This is a training session for all of Florida Train Association (FTA) members who may be interested in becoming Activity Leaders. If you are interested in leading activities, are a FTA member in good standing, and feel the desire to promote all the concepts of the FTA, this event is for you.

This required training will be held with our core leadership team and will involve a review of the procedures and policies to lead an activity of your choice. After your training all participants will go on a quick approximately 1-mile hike where we will practice some of the information that was shared. After your completion of the days training, you will need to lead two hikes with a current activity leader where you plan and lead the hike.

The training takes place in Cary State Forest at the pavilion. Take 301 to Pavilion Road which leads directly to the pavilion and is a well-maintained gravel road, not a forest road.

Let's hike part of the Pioneer Trail. We will start at the Dunn's Farm Trailhead in Jennings State Forest. We will quickly veer off onto the Sawyer Trail which connects to the Pioneer Trail. Hiking past Dunn's Cemetery and 3 waterfalls (that puts Niagara Falls to shame), we will hike back along the Dunn's Farm Trail. You need to be able to hike these moderately difficult, 5+ miles of some steep incline/decline hills and tripping hazards. There are no shortcuts once we start. We will stop and check out the beautifully maintained Dunn's Cemetery. There are parts that are more sun and some more shade. You MUST have water to join this hike. Also, suggest sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, snacks, and bug spray. There are no bathrooms in the lot or on the trail. We will meet at the trailhead located 1337 Long Horn Road, Middleburg. The GPS coordinates are 30.128850, -81.964160. Look for the North FL Trailblazer signs. This event will be held rain or shine, but will be cancelled if there is lightning.

There is ample parking with a $2.00 parking fee you can pay once there using a QR code.

Online pre-pay for parking: https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/posProducts.do?contractCode=FLFS

Information about the Pioneer Trail: https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Jennings-State-Forest/Pioneer-Trail

Information about the North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers

## ☘️ Get Your Green On: St. Paddy’s Day Trail Trek!

Ready to swap the pub crawl for a nature stroll? Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us as we explore the scenic Red, White, and Blue trails at Losco Regional Park!
This 3.1-mile loop is a local gem—beautiful, meandering, and perfectly shaded. We’ll be keeping a moderate pace, making it the perfect way to earn those post-hike refreshments.

### 🥾 The Trail Details

While the path is nice and flat, Florida trails love to hide a few "lucky" roots and tripping hazards under the leaves.

• Gear Up: We recommend bringing hiking poles if you like a little extra stability.
• Stay Safe: Even under the trees, the sun finds a way! Don't forget your water, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
• Rain or Shine: We hike through the drizzle! We only cancel if there’s thunder or lightning.

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### 📍 Where to Meet

Parking is a breeze and completely free.

1. Enter the park and drive past the first parking lot.
2. Keep going over the speed bumps until you reach the second parking lot.
3. Park there! You’ll find the trailhead, the bathrooms, and our FTA signs waiting for you.

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### 🍻 The "After Party"

The fun doesn't stop at the trailhead! After we work up an appetite, join the crew at the nearby Miller’s Ale House for some food, drinks, and good company.

> Note: While the hiking is free, please remember that the cost of food and drinks is on you (not covered by FTA or NFTB).