This group is designed for people that love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, walk, bike, and maintain trails.  We encourage you to help support the Florida Trail, but you do not have to be a member to be part of this group or to take part in the activities of the group. We are all volunteers and get together to have a good time.  We are not outfitters or paid guides.

Many members are also members of the Florida trail organization and other hiking and nature groups.

The Florida Trail Association (FTA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization incorporated in 1964.
The FTA works statewide to develop and maintain hiking trails for public use, most notably our 1,400-mile Florida Trail, designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1983.

Chartered in August 1981, the Suncoast Chapter is more than just a local hiking club. We are one of 18 local chapters of the Florida Trail Association providing a place for hikers to gather and enjoy each other's company in the great outdoors while serving the public through their trail work. We work in cooperation with the National Forests in Florida, the Federal management agency for the trail, and several dozen other landowners statewide to keep the Florida Trail open for recreational use.

The Suncoast Chapter serves a seven county area in west central and southwest Florida. The chapter serves members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. Cities served by the Suncoast Chapter include Bradenton, Brooksville, Clearwater, Inverness, Sarasota, Sping Hill, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Zephyrhills. With over 700 members we are the Florida Trail Association's largest chapter.

The chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational events throughout the region.

The Suncoast Chapter maintains The Florida Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando, including all of the Withlacoochee State Forest. The chapter also maintains 10 Loop trails: Citrus, Croom, Green Swamp West, Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Richloam, Upper Hillsborough and Withlacoochee River Park.

 ASSUMPTION OF RISK

Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc. (the “Association”) activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the Activity Leader(s) and the Association, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons. The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participant on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities,Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc. (the “Association”) activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness stain while participating in an Association activity.

 By joining the Florida Suncoast Hiking and Backpacking group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.