About us
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
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Flower Moon Hike on May Day
Miccosukee Greenway off Edenfield Road, Edenfield Rd, Tallahassee, FL, USSee a 3.5-mile section of Miccosukee Greenway in a unique way, cast in shadows and moonlight. It’s magical! It's romantic! We will meet at the Edenfield trailhead by 8:15pm for check in and instructions. (Sunset is at 8:15pm.) At 8:30pm, we start the hike to Thornton trailhead and return. We take a 5-10 minute break at Thornton. So, have your stargazing apps ready.
The pathway is mostly broad level ground. The white stones will make following the path an easy task, but be sure to bring a flashlight or wear a headlamp. Turning off your light in certain areas will reveal the fireflies in the forest (a treat for adults and children alike).
Learn more about the Flower Moon.
https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/flower.htmlBring water, wear comfortable shoes, and apply bug repellent as needed. Meet near the restrooms.
No dogs are allowed at night events. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the hike.Anyone may attend this event, however, please consider joining FTA with your membership: https://apalachee.floridatrail.org/vol/membership/. We now have a special YOUTH membership (ages 18-30) for $10; ask Courtnay how to sign up!
* Please edit your RSVP in Meetup if you decide not to attend.
Check our Meetup site for dates, meeting locations, and any last-minute announcements before starting out. Contact: Courtnay Micots (850) 300-0399, or courtnaymicots@gmail.com & co-leader Jason Cronk (850)629-5348, or jasonfta@sudomail.com.
46 attendees
Florida National Scenic Trail Maintenance
Location not specified yetTake 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.8 attendees
Spring Creek Bridge Project - CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, 1255 Lighthouse Rd, St Marks, FL, USVolunteers are needed for the exciting Spring Creek Bridge Construction Project. Jeff Glenn, FTA Senior Regional Trail Program and Field Project Manager, advised that things are going well at the Creek. There were delays on getting the road access complete, but it is done, and are fully set up now, with piles ready to set.
Should you be available to volunteer here is the schedule which your services are needed (come for 1/2 or the whole day 8 AM – 4 PM.) Dates are:
May 4-7, May 12-17, May 25-28. Bring your own lunch, drinks, snacks and be ready to have a good time!If interested in volunteering (and before heading out) please contact Mike Tucker (850) 545-3489 / email: tuckems@hotmail.com or Dawn Griffin (850) 509-6103 / dawngriffinfta@aol.com and advise what day/times you can donate during the hours 8 AM – 4 PM.
The new crew meeting site is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X5AGXq2wdYcmLprn8
The road in is accessible but only by larger pickups and probably an SUV with very high clearance. Folks can walk in, or meet up with us in the AM for a ride to the construction site. It is about 1-mile total back to the site.The FTA Staff are hard workers – spending 4-10 hour days most every week since December. This is going to be an amazing project and a jewel for the FNST and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.
Unable to donate your physical labor but want to contribute in some way? How about delivering (or sending along) a batch of something tasty or purchased snacks to keep the workers fueled!
2 attendees
A Walk in the Woods: Lafayette Heritage Trail Park (Piney Z)
Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, 4900 Heritage Park Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, USA 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.
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. We now have a special YOUTH membership (ages 18-30) for $10; ask Courtnay how to sign up! 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.
3 attendees
Past events
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