What we’re about
June 4th, 2021
This group is operated by the Florida Trail Association.
We are a community who love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, and give back by way of volunteer trail maintenance.
Joining this Meetup does not constitute membership in the FTA and unless specifically mentioned, you are not required to hold an FTA membership to participate. Events which are FTA Members Only will be clearly indicated.
The Suncoast Chapter serves over 500 FTA members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. We maintain The Florida National Scenic Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando. Find out more about the FTA Suncoast chapter at https://sites.google.com/floridatrail.org/suncoastfta/.
Within these boundaries we also maintain a section of the Florida Trail Western Corridor which encompasses the Citrus, Croom, Richloam Tracts within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Green Swamp West, as well as popular loop trails within these tracts.
https://floridatrail.org/maps-and-databook/
Trail systems that we also are responsible for include Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Upper Hillsborough WMA, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Withlacoochee River Park.
Our chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational and volunteer work events throughout the region.
We work in cooperation with the US Forest Service, State Forest Service, SWFWMD, DEP, and other land managers to keep the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Western Corridor, and designated side trails open for recreational use.
We sponsor many events on non FTA designated land tracts, trail systems and waterways.
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 his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons.
The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participants on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities, 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 sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association, Activity Leaders, nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness I might sustain from participating in an Association activity.
By joining the Suncoast Chapter Meetup Group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.
JOIN THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-differen...
Upcoming events
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FTA SUNCOAST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS / HOLIDAY PARTY!
Withlacoochee River County Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Boulevard, Dade City, FL, USPlease come celebrate the Christmas/Holiday Season with us on the weekend of Friday December 12, and Saturday December 13th 2025 located at:
Withlacoochee River County Park
12449 Withlacoochee Blvd.
Dade City, FL 33525
(352) 567-0264
FAMILY RV/TENT/ AREA: There are 15 sites total, Reserve through Pasco County,,, Rates are usually $25 a night, I'll check out to see if this link is still valid and let you know View the online reservation webpage
GROUP TENT CAMPING! available. Arriving Friday Dec 12th and Saturday Dec 13th leaving on the 14th, The groups sites are in the beautifully shaded and roomy Boy Scout group sites A & B. NO COST for camping. Restrooms in walking distance. Potable water on site. A huge camping area to accommodate lots of tents!
The gate to the camp area is on Auton Rd. 0.6 mile SOUTH of the main park entrance, on the EAST side of the road. There will be an FTA sign.
if questions on getting to the group site, please call me at 727-946-1048 on the weekend of the event.
The group camping area is a walk in site. You park your car outside the wooden fence and carry your gear in. A relatively short walk in..Please take that into account when planning what gear to bring.(Dog's not permitted in group site.)
Each evening we will have a campfire in the group campsite. Bring a chair, maybe some firewood, and some good stories to share!
Hikes on Saturday Morning
Wes Calhoun will be leading the 'traditional ' 3 mile hike starting at 9:30 am , leaving from pavilion #2 . The hike is on the FTA maintained trail along the beautiful, scenic Withlacoochee
Wear your antlers, Santa hats, Christmas Holiday colors!
LUNCH! Saturday at pavilion #2, 12:30 pm -ish . If you are coming for the day and the potluck, look for signs to pavilion #2 when entering the park.
Grilled hot dogs/brats/ buns/condiments/plates/cutlery provided by FTA
Dogs are only allowed at lunch if they are on a leash.
PLEASE BRING A SIDE DISH FOR THE POT LUCK.... We will be asking for a $10.00 per person donation to cover food and misc. costs... donations in excess of food costs go towards equipment and trail maintenance funds...
Beautiful handcrafted table center pieces created by Karin /Sue will be our give away raffle prizes. Make sure you sign in for your chance at getting one of Karin's creations!
PLUS, join in singing Christmas holiday carols and tunes! Thanks to Dawn McDonald's playing the organ!
There are also options within the park for paddling, biking & more hiking at Green Swamp West...a fishing dock.....lots of stuff to do and explore!
SUNDAY morning pot-luck breakfast about 8:30 for everyone that wants to join in. FTA will be providing eggs, bacon, bread and butter,,Please bring a breakfast food item to share or an FTA donation. Breakfast will be held at the group campground.
Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season to you, your friends, and family!!35 attendees
Beginner-Friendly Backpacking and Overnight Camp at Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, USHi everyone, Are you new to hiking or camping—or just looking to try out some gear and enjoy the outdoors? Come join the Florida Trail Association – Suncoast Chapter for an adventure hiking with a full backpack and overnight camping afterwards at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park!
Date: Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 AM – Sunday Morning, December 14
Location: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Group: Florida Trail Association, Suncoast Chapter
What to Expect: We’ll hike approximately 4 miles at a comfortable pace (1–2 mph) along the orange-blazed trail, ending at Starkey Group. Campsite A, just a short walk from the parking lot. This is a great opportunity to:
- Learn trail basics like reading blazes and using hiking apps
- Test your gear in a safe, supportive environment
- Enjoy nature and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts
- The campground includes restrooms, showers, and picnic shelters, and is close to your car in case you need a backup plan.
Meeting Point: Corral Parking Lot at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet 12/13 at 11:30 AM | Hike begins at 12:00 PM
Directions: Drive 0.5 miles into the park, turn right at the stop sign after the Smokey the Bear sign and continue to the end of the road. Look for the FTA Event Sign at the Corral Parking Lot.
Additional Info:
- We plan to have a campfire—please bring firewood.
- Conditions may include deep sand, limited shade, and variable weather (hot, humid, cold, or rainy).
- A Zoom meeting on October 16th at 6:00PM EST will be held to go over gear, items to bring and logistics. More details coming soon!
What to Bring:
- Tent or hammock for camping
- Minimum 3L of water (extra can be stored in your car)
- Sleeping pad and sleeping bag/quilt
- Comfortable hiking shoes (may get wet)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (day, camp and night)
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Food for lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks
- Firewood
- A happy attitude!
Questions? Contact Melissa at 727-207-3013
We’re excited to see you out on the trail!
Florida Trail Association – Suncoast Chapter
All participants are required to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form.
This form may be previewed at: https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
All participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
** https://floridatrail.org **16 attendees
Morning Hike - Jay B. Starkey - 3 mile hike/ramble
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, USSunday 8:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Join me for a 3 mile hike with Florida Tail Association – Suncoast Chapter.
Meeting Point: Corral Parking Lot at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Directions: Drive 0.5 miles into the park, turn right at the stop sign after the Smokey the Bear sign and continue to the end of the road. Look for the FTA Event Sign.
Expect: Mostly shaded but some areas of sun. Some tall grass.
This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Challenges include deep sand, lack of shade, bugs and heat exposure. No water along the way. Bring water, sunscreen, a snack and good footwear. Dress according to the weather.
Come get acquainted with the FTA and enjoy a hike.
Phone number on day of hike: Melissa 727-207-3013
Please contact me if you have any medical question on your physical fitness for this event.
All participants are required to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form.
This form may be previewed at: https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
All participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
**https://floridatrail.org**4 attendees
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