About us
About Us
The Alligator Amblers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) serves Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties and provides local hikers with numerous opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, paddling and trail maintenance.
Our parent organization the FTA is dedicated to building and maintaining the 1300 mile Florida National Scenic Trail streching from the Big Cypress Swamp, around Lake Okeechobee, through Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests to Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach. The Alligator Amblers assist in this mission by supporting and maintaing an eight mile portion of the Florida Trail south of I-75 in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve as well as the 6.5 mile loop trail at Collier-Seminole State Park.
The Alligator Amblers have also assisted in building and maintaining trails within Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (Collier County), Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park and Prairie Pines Preserve (Lee County) among others.
Please note: For the safety of our Activity Leaders and other participants the Alligator Amblers would like to respectfully request that your profile include a full facial photo so that you are recognizable when attending our events or activities.
Meetings
We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month (except July and August). Check the Meetup site for specifics regarding location and time. You are welcome to join us! Most of our meetings feature educational and entertaining speakers. Come early to socialize.
Each month there is a presentation on an outdoor related topic, followed by a discussion of upcoming activities and trail related events.
Activities
Activities are scheduled throughout the year. More activities are planned during the cooler months. These outdoor events include day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, car camping, trail maintenance, biking, plus both day and overnight paddling events. The public is welcome to all monthly meetings and many activities. Some activities must limit the number of persons or tents due to ecological, space or other factors. A few activities may only be available to FTA members to help the trip leader insure that all are capable of safely participating. These few activities may be more difficult, more strenuous or more remotely located than most.
Read each activity notice carefully. Realize that our activities are governed by the rules set forth by the FTA and are typically less casual than your typical Meetup event. An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity
Upcoming events
1
Walk the new and reopened Big Cypress Bend Board Walk
Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, 27020 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34114, Naples, FL, USDetails:
2.4 mile round trip walk on boardwalk and graveled paths in the new and reopened Big Cypress Bend Boardwalks in the the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.
The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is one of the most biologically rich places in the greater Everglades and is known as the “Amazon of North America”. This is a fun, informative way to learn about why from Alligator Ambler Debra Taylor. Vistas of the Marl (Wet) Prairie greet us at the Pavilion and along the new boardwalk. We then skirt around the east and south side of Green Heron Lake. The beautifully reconstructed original boardwalk opened Nov 2025. It had been closed following hurricane Ian in 2022. This is the famous Fakahatchee old-growth cypress boardwalk and is a National Natural Landmark.
We’ll allow plenty of time to observe and talk about the diverse plant species and wildlife in each area.
There is a restroom at the parking lot. There is no drinking water.
Optional: after the walk we can visit Everglades City for lunch and Collier Museum of the Everglades (no fee).
What to Bring: Hat, Water, Sunscreen, Snacks, Binoculars, Camera
Rain cancels and will send notice.
Fees:
$3 State Park Fee per car up to 8 people. Can be paid using ‘Buy Before You Go’ Florida State Parks - by QR code at entrance or in cash at the Friends of Fakahatchee Iron Ranger where the fee will go directly to the Fakahatchee.Links:
Home - Friends of Fakahatchee
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park | Florida State ParksAn RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity.
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)
Amblers on Meetup (https://www.meetup.com/Alligator-Amblers/)14 attendees
Past events
415
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,375
