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