What we’re about
ABOUT US:
We are the Apalachee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, bringing hikers together throughout the Capital Region surrounding Tallahassee since 1982. The Apalachee Chapter is one of 18 Florida Trail Association chapters statewide that provide volunteers to build and maintain the Florida National Scenic Trail. Our Chapter's main reason for existence is building and maintaining almost 150 miles of the FNST (from the Aucilla River to the Apalachicola River) as well as several other local trails on public lands (Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee, Ft. Braden Trail in Lake Talquin State Forest, and the hiking trails in Torreya State Park). The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1,100 mile hiking trail spanning the length of Florida--from the Big Cypress National Preserve in the Everglades to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western Panhandle.The Apalachee Chapter has the distinction of having the first certified section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, certified by the USDA Forest Service in 1988. The Apalachee Chapter conducts a wide variety of activities year-round, and holds a program meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Our website at http://apalachee.floridatrail.org has many helpful links to information about our chapter, our trails, and hiking in general. Our activities are free to non-FTA-members but donations are accepted to help cover the costs of those activities and to help fund tools for trail work. A donation of any amount may be given to the Activity Leader when you participate in an activity.
NOTE: Joining this Meetup site does not automatically make you a member of the Florida Trail Association. Please support the cost of our activities, and receive membership benefits, by joining the Florida Trail Association and becoming a member of the Apalachee Chapter. Go to http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-member to join FTA online (or call the FTA office in Gainesville, toll-free 1-877-445-3352).
PLEASE READ:
Before you sign up for an activity, please read the Activity Participant Guidelines at http://apalachee.floridatrail.org/guidelines-for-activity-participants This will make for a better outing experience for all concerned.
Here's a video about the Florida Trail: "History of the Florida Trail" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5bfqEv9EPw
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- ARTwalk - Cascades/Railroad Square for Young Adults, Ages 18-30Railroad Square Art Park, Tallahassee, FL
Walking is beneficial to one's mental and physical health. If you are between the ages of 18 and 30, you are invited to join me for a hike through Cascades Park and Railroad Square Art Park to view the art sculptures and murals along the urban trail (with me - an art historian, so I might offer a few bits of interesting info along the way). Enjoy the great outdoors with other hikers, experienced or not, for some beautiful scenery, right here in downtown Tallahassee. We'll walk about 3.5 to 4 miles in total.
Breathe! De-stress! Make new friends!
We meet at 10:00am for sign-in with a 10:15am start. We will start at Railroad Square Art Park in the parking lot opposite the Hilton and behind the old Black Dog/Square Mug Cafe. Look for my blue Honda Civic; I'll have a small FTA sign. The map pin is as close as I can make it.
This will be a moderate hike typically at 3 to 4 miles/hour. We will rest for a few minutes at a midway point in Cascades Park near the public restrooms and a drinking water fountain. Expect walking on uneven ground and stops at intersections (and for pictures).
Bring water and wear shoes appropriate for trail hiking. Bug repellent and sunscreen (and/or a hat) may be needed.
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome (pick up after them). Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Anyone may attend this event; however, please consider joining the FTA. The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail and a network of hiking trails throughout Florida. Our vision is a continuous well-maintained, protected network of hiking trails on public lands that highlight the unique natural, scenic, cultural, and historic places in Florida. FTA Website
* Please edit your RSVP in Meetup if you no longer plan to attend.
Check our Meetup site for dates, meeting locations, and any last minute announcements before starting out. Contact: Courtnay Micots at 850-300-0399 or courtnaymicots@gmail.com.
- Florida National Scenic Trail MaintenanceNeeds location
Take this opportunity to explore new trails and volunteer to maintain this precious resource! We plan to work across the Apalachee Chapter's area of responsibility (Aucilla River - Apalachicola River) to address specific trail maintenance needs.
All tools and safety equipment will be provided, however if you have special tools of your own, feel free to bring them. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes and prepare to work in water at times. To help with the bugs - good idea to bring a change of clothes for the ride home. Bring lunch, snacks, bug repellent and sunscreen and plenty of water. All skill levels are welcome. Work involves blaze painting, lopping and mowing.
We usually work 4 to 5 hours, depending on weather conditions.
Should return to town early afternoon. Contact: Mike Tucker, tuckems@hotmail.com, 850-545-3489
YOU MUST CONTACT THE TRIP LEADER FOR MEETING PLACE AND TIME. - A Walk in the Woods: Lafayette Heritage Trail Park (Piney Z)Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, Tallahassee, FL
A Walk in the Woods is beneficial to one's mental and physical health. This park offers shaded trails and lake views. Depending on the season, wild flowers and local wildlife may be present. Lafayette Heritage Trail Park
Meet near the restrooms. We meet at 5:15pm for sign-in and a 5:30pm start.
This will be a moderate to strenuous hike typically at 3 to 4 miles/hour. This may be the trail to Tom Brown Park and back (approx. 4 miles), or the trail to Alford Greenway, Bill’s Trail and back (approx. 3.7 miles). We will rest for a few minutes at the midway point near a public drinking water fountain. Expect walking on uneven ground and 50-foot elevation changes. Most of the route will be shaded, but there may be unshaded sections.
Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp for this time of year. Bring water and wear shoes appropriate for trail hiking. Bug repellent and sunscreen may be needed. Watch for snakes and poison ivy along the trail.
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Anyone may attend this event; however, please consider joining the FTA. The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail and a network of hiking trails throughout Florida. Our vision is a continuous well-maintained, protected network of hiking trails on public lands that highlight the unique natural, scenic, cultural, and historic places in Florida. FTA Website
* Please edit your RSVP in Meetup if you no longer plan to attend.
Check our Meetup site for dates, meeting locations, and any last minute announcements before starting out. Contact: Erice Shepard at 850-508-3929 or ericeshepard3@gmail.com.
