What we’re about
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events
13
Hike the Trails at The University of North Florida
UNF Nature Trails, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL, USThe trails at UNF were made public in 1977 and were recognized as National Recreation Trails by the Department of the Interior. We'll be hiking the Gopher Tortoise Ridge and Big Cypress Loop which is approximately 3 miles in length. The route offers a quiet, mostly shaded experience with opportunities to observe wildlife and native plants. Parking is free on weekends but during the week days there is a $5 parking fee.
Even though most of this trail is shaded and we have moved into winter, you will want to have sun protection, and water. Hikers are asked to make a personal emergency medical card and to place the card in an easily accessible location in your pocket or pack.
Please no dogs or children on this hike.
Information about the University of North Florida Trails https://www.unf.edu/recwell/ecoadventure/naturetrails.html
Information about this Hike https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/florida/gopher-tortoise-ridge-and-big-cypress-loop
For more information about FTA: https://floridatrail.org/
For more information about the North FL Trailbalzers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers/20 attendees
Spanish Pond Hike!
Fort Caroline Spanish Pond, 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL, USJoin us as we hike on the Spanish Pond trail for Marks second hike to becoming a activity leader. This will be an out and back hike that starts at the spanish pond trailhead to the Timuquan Ravine, where we will turn around and hike back to our original trail head.
Round trip this hike should be around 4.0 to 4.5 miles give or take. Please be prepared to bring enough water with you and snacks. At the turn around we can stop and rest, before heading back. Even though most of this trail is shaded and we have moved into winter, you will want to have sun protection, and water. Hikers are asked to make a personal emergency medical card and to place the card in an easily accessible location in your pocket or pack.
This area is rich in history, and we will be hiking past an old homestead (now gone) and an old grave site if we take the right turns. This trail is not flat as a pancake! We will get to enjoy some vert! Well vertical for Florida! 😊
Please no dogs or children on this hike.
Information about the FTA
Information about the North FL Trailblazers20 attendees
Past events
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