About us
June 4th, 2021
This group is operated by the Florida Trail Association.
We are a community who love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, and give back by way of volunteer trail maintenance.
Joining this Meetup does not constitute membership in the FTA and unless specifically mentioned, you are not required to hold an FTA membership to participate. Events which are FTA Members Only will be clearly indicated.
The Suncoast Chapter serves over 500 FTA members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. We maintain The Florida National Scenic Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando. Find out more about the FTA Suncoast chapter at https://sites.google.com/floridatrail.org/suncoastfta/.
Within these boundaries we also maintain a section of the Florida Trail Western Corridor which encompasses the Citrus, Croom, Richloam Tracts within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Green Swamp West, as well as popular loop trails within these tracts.
https://floridatrail.org/maps-and-databook/
Trail systems that we also are responsible for include Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Upper Hillsborough WMA, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Withlacoochee River Park.
Our chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational and volunteer work events throughout the region.
We work in cooperation with the US Forest Service, State Forest Service, SWFWMD, DEP, and other land managers to keep the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Western Corridor, and designated side trails open for recreational use.
We sponsor many events on non FTA designated land tracts, trail systems and waterways.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc (the "Association") activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons.
The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participants on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the Activity Leader(s) and the Association, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association, Activity Leaders, nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness I might sustain from participating in an Association activity.
By joining the Suncoast Chapter Meetup Group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.
JOIN THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-differen...
Upcoming events
23
Trail Maintenance at Myakka State Park
Myakka River State Park, 13208 SR 72, Sarasota FL, Sarasota, FL, USWe will be doing our trail maintenance at the park including trimming side growth, and painting blazes on trees. we will be doing approximately 5 -10 miles of trail. Please bring loppers and gloves if you have them. also plan on packing a lunch and some water for the day. Once we enter the back country, there will NO way to get out early, so please plan to attend for the day.
There will be NO camping available for the work party.
Plan to arrive at the south entrance to the park off of SR 72 (Clark Rd) When arriving at the park, tell the ranger you are volunteering with the FTA, and the entrance fee will be waived. we will be meeting at the parking lot on the right-hand side just after you enter the park.
Please call or text Adam at (941) 539-1336 with any questions.
Our other planned dates will be:
January 10th
February 7thAll participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
**https://floridatrail.org**5 attendees
Short & Longer Hike at Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301, Thonotosassa, FL, USWes Calhoun will lead a hike starting from the Smoke House Pavilion/Pavilion #12 at 8:30am. The hike will be in two parts. Part one will be a 1.2-mile hike on the Baynard Trail. We will cross the river on the suspension bridge twice on this hike. Part two will be a 4.4-mile hike from the pavilion to the end of the Wetlands Trail and back. Part two will start around 9am at the Smoke House Pavilion. Join us for either or both hikes.
The park gates open at 8am. Arrive early as there may be a line of cars waiting to enter. There is a $6 per car entrance fee; $4 if driving in alone. Go to parking lot #3 and walk to the Smoke House Pavilion/Pavilion #12. It's the pavilion with the chimney. There will be a hike sign-in sheet there. See photos for a park map.
After the hike feel free to stay for the Stone Soup Potluck, a short FTA Suncoast Chapter meeting, a camping gear auction/chapter fund-raiser, and a croquet match. Please note: there are some special requirements to participate in the potluck. For details on these activities, please see the link https://www.meetup.com/suncoast-florida-trail-hiking/events/308586011/.
24 attendees
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