Sandhill Chapter - Florida Trail Association

Meet at the Lake Alto Boat Ramp/Park parking lot at 5pm to sign in and share info.
Leader: Maria Fiedler
Please RSVP by March 30,2026
Location: Meet at Lake Alto Public Boat Launch parking lot 5pm, 17800 NE 134 PL, Waldo, FL Plan at least ~ 3.0 hrs. Bring picnic food of your choice.

Description: Let’s paddle board, kayak or canoe. We will picnic at the park picnic tables at the edge of Lake Alto and discuss the paddle as the sunsets in the west. Then launch boats at the public boat ramp, paddle out to Lake Alto, continue along the lake to the right and return to boat launch parking lot before dark. Paddle on Lake Alto may be moderately difficult due to winds blowing across the lake. We will stop periodically to view the ambiance of the scene and rest during our evening paddle.
Hat, sunscreen, bug spray, paddle gloves advised. Alligators have been seen.
Florida public waters require safety standards. It is mandatory to have a US Coast Guard-approved PFD, Personal Flotation Device-Life Jacket- for every person on paddle board, kayak or canoe and a loud sound-making device like a whistle.
Bring a flashlight. Vessels 16-26 ft require different regulations. Refer to Florida Kayak and Boat Registration laws for boats of 16-26 ft. length.
General Information: Web search “Lake Alto Preserve Boat Launch/Ramp” for more information.
Admission: No fees.
Bathrooms: Yes (port-a pot), at Lake Alto Boat Launch parking lot.
Dogs allowed: No
Restricted to: Adults over 18. Experienced paddlers with strong swimming skills.
FTA current members only- limited to **10 **participants. Not a member?? Join by phone 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join. “The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida Trail (FT)”, one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the US.” “Building More Than Trails.”

FTA: Pier 60 Sugar Sand Sculpture Festival, Clearwater Beach
Date: Tuesday, April 07, 2026 (RSVP by April 5)
Location: 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767.
Leader: Maria Fiedler Direct message Maria via Meet-Up if interested.
Time: 7 AM to sign -in. Carpool option from GNV: Publix parking lot (5200 SW 34th St., GNV, Fl 32608), left of entrance, Williston Rd side,
Discuss carpool options. Drive to meet Sue Bunge, Suncoast Chapter Chair at Clearwater Main Library, 100 N Osceola Ave, Clearwater, FL. 33755
Description: Carpool to Clearwater Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival parking area. Purchase tickets ($14.00) in person at Clearwater Sugar Sand; leisurely view the Sand Artwork under tent. Walk the Pier 60 and do a short beach walk. Drive or walk to Crabby Bills for lunch. Drive back to Clearwater Main Library then back to GNV. Plan for an entire day.
Directions: Web search Peir 60 Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater, FL.
General Information: Bring a hat, water, and lunch/snack if you like. Bug spray is always a good idea. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking in sand.
Bathrooms: Yes, at Pier 60 Clearwater Beach area and at local restaurant.
Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to 12 current FTA members. Florida Trail Association, Building More Than Trails; Join FTA by phone 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join
RSVP Deadline: By April 5th.

FTA Suwannee Chapter Hike- Upper Econfina
Begin Date: April 8, 2026

Begin Time: 9:00a.m.CDT; 10a.m. (EDT)

Sponsoring Chapter: Suwannee, in collaboration with Panhandle Chapter and endorsed by Sandhill Chapter

Type of Activity: Hike
Location: North of Fountain FL, starting at the Florida Trail -Scott Rd trailhead See directions below, no address.

Description: Note: Located in and starts at 9am Central time zone! Join us for this 5.6 mile hike on the Florida Trail, starting at the Scott Rd trailhead at the eastern boundary of the Econfina Creek WMA, going over the Two Penny suspension bridge, capturing the beauty of the Econfina Falls and continuing to the Apple Bridge footbridge, before heading back to where we started.
Be sure to bring adequate snacks, drinks, bug spray, and sunscreen. Adequate hiking shoes and hat recommended. The route isn’t particularly challenging, but does have some ups and downs as you go.

Amenities: Torreya, Falling Waters and Florida Caverns State Parks are in the general area if you want to camp overnight.

RSVP by date: April 7,2026 RSVP to Leader email or RSVP via Meet Up

Directions: From I-10 take US 231 South for 15.3 miles, turn right on Scott Road, follow for 2.6 miles to trailhead sign, then 0.2 miles on dirt road to TH parking. From SR 20 go north thru Fountain ,FL on US 231 approx. 6 miles, turn left on Scott Road. Follow directions above.

Activity Leader(s): Angel Klanchar (Suwannee) and Kathy Brust (Panhandle)
Leader Phone: (813)777-8212 Email: sklancha@gmail.com
_
Open to: All FTA members and the Public. Children: No Dogs: No
Difficulty: Moderate