About us
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events
7
Evening Hiking Series - GTM/WMA Tower Hike
GTM Trailhead Pavillion, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra, FL, US🌅 Evening Hiking Series #3 – Capo Creek Observation Tower | North FL Trailblazers
Join the North FL Trailblazers for the third hike in our Evening Hiking Series as we head out to the Capo Creek Observation Tower for a peaceful evening on the trail.
This will be a moderate-paced hike, and we will always adjust the pace to accommodate the slowest hiker in the group. The hike will be approximately 4 miles round trip.
Our route will follow the Orange Trail, continuing into the Guana Wildlife Management Area (GWMA) until we reach the observation tower. The trail includes a mix of shaded forest sections and some exposed areas, so come prepared for the conditions.### 🌿 Special Request for This Hike
For this particular hike, we are encouraging minimal conversation while on the trail. This allows everyone to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and increases our chances of spotting wildlife along the way.
***
### 📍 Meeting Location
We will meet at the picnic pavilion near the parking lot at the end of the gravel road.
Please note: We are NOT meeting at the GTM Visitor Center.
This location does have:- Flush toilets
- Water
- Picnic pavilion
***
### 🚫 Important Participation Notes
- No dogs for this hike (even though they are normally allowed at GTM).
- Adults only – no children for this event.
- You must bring and carry your own water.
***
### 🎒 Recommended Gear
- Water (required)
- Sun protection (wide-brim hat, sun shirt, or sun umbrella)
- Face net strongly recommended — horse flies were active during the last visit
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Bug spray
Safety Request:
Please create a personal emergency medical card and keep it in an easily accessible place in your pocket or pack during the hike.***
### 🚗 Parking Information
Parking is managed through Premium Parking.
- Park in the lot
- Scan the QR code on the sign (premiumparking.com) or
- Text the lot number P5913, P5912, P5911, or P5910 to 504504 and follow the directions
Fee: $3 per vehicle for one day
***
### 🔗 Learn More
- More about the GTM Reserve: https://gtmnerr.org/visit/
- Florida Trail Association: https://floridatrail.org/
- North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers/
***
Come spend a peaceful evening on the trail, enjoy the coastal forest, and experience one of the beautiful overlooks in the GTM Reserve with the Trailblazers. 🌿🥾
16 attendees
Evening Hiking Series - Spanish Pond
Fort Caroline Spanish Pond, 12713 Fort Caroline Rd, Jacksonville, FL, US🌅 Evening Hiking Series #4 – Spanish Pond & Timucuan Ravine Trail 🥾🌿
Join the North FL Trailblazers for the fourth hike in our Evening Hiking Series as we explore the scenic Spanish Pond and Timucuan Ravine Trail in the historic area near Fort Caroline National Memorial within the beautiful Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.
This out-and-back hike will begin at the Spanish Pond trailhead, located across the street from Fort Caroline National Memorial. From there, we’ll hike through shaded forest and ravine terrain before returning to the same trailhead and parking area where we started.
🥾 Hike Details- Distance: Approximately 4 to 4.5 miles round trip
- Route: Out and back
- Terrain: Uneven with some gentle elevation changes (not a flat trail)
- Pace: Comfortable evening hiking pace
At the turnaround point, we’ll take a short break to rest and hydrate. A restroom should be available at that location.
🌿 What to Expect
This area is rich in local history. Along the way, we will pass the site of a former homestead (now gone) as well as an old cemetery, offering a glimpse into the past of this unique landscape.
Most of the trail is nicely shaded, but please still come prepared for Florida conditions.
🎒 Please Bring- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Sun protection
- Bug spray
- Closed-toe shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
⚠️ Safety Request
Please create a personal emergency medical card and keep it in an easily accessible place in your pocket or pack during the hike.
🚫 Please Note- No dogs for this hike, even though they are normally allowed on this trail.
- No children for this event.
Learn More
- About the Theodore Roosevelt Area: https://www.nps.gov/timu/learn/historyculture/tra.htm
- About the Florida Trail Association: https://floridatrail.org/
- About the North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers/
Come out and enjoy a relaxing evening on the trail, connect with fellow hikers, and experience one of the historic natural areas in Jacksonville! 🌅🌲🥾
15 attendees
Past events
980
Group links
Members
3,125
