What we’re about
Welcome to the Black Bear Chapter Meetup of the Florida Trail Association, serving Putnam, Flagler, and Volusia Counties. Formerly known as the Halifax-St. Johns Chapter, this Chapter maintains approximately 100 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Florida Trail in northern Ocala National Forest and north from Buckman Lock to Etoniah Creek, including the Rice Creek section. Trail maintenance is often accomplished with week-long camping outings. The Black Bear Chapter also maintains loop trails including the Bella Vista Trail at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and the St. Francis Hiking Trail in the southern Ocala National Forest. The Black Bear Chapter schedules a variety of activities including trail maintenance, hiking, backpacking, camping, paddling, picnics and educational opportunities. Come enjoy the amazing natural beauty of our Florida environment. We welcome your suggestions and participation. The goal of Black Bear Chapter Meetup of the Florida Trail Association is to support the Florida Trail Association’s mission of building and maintaining the Florida National Scenic Trail as well as other trails throughout Florida. Our activities and members are in support of that goal. The Florida National Scenic Trail is a 1,100 mile public accessible trail spanning the length of Florida from the Big Cypress National Preserve at the Everglades to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the western Panhandle. There is no fee to join this Meetup and participate in events open to the public. Black Bear Chapter is one of 18 Florida Trail Association chapters statewide that provides volunteers to build and maintain the Florida National Scenic Trail. Building, maintaining and enjoying the Florida National Scenic Trail is our mission. Members of our Meetup group are not members of FTA until they join FTA. The Florida Trail Association is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization founded in 1966. We depend on your paid membership in the FTA and your generous donations for maintaining the Florida Trail. You can join the Florida Trail Association here: http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-difference/become-a-me...
