What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Morning Hike - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park - 3.8 mile hike/rambleJay B Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey, FL
Sunday 8:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Join me for a 3.8-mile hike with Florida Tail Association – Suncoast Chapter.
About/Details: We will meet at parking Lot 8 area prior to 8:15AM near the pavilion. Parking Lot 9 is a good option if Lot 8 is full. The group will leave parking lot 8 area at 8:15AM and head towards orange blazed trail.
Restrooms are available off of the parking lot. We will walk the 3-mile orange blazed loop (total of 3.8 miles). The group will stop at the Grassy Lake Bird Blind for our 1st water break.
Expect: Mostly shaded but some areas of sun. Some tall grass.
This is a very popular area for road biking, running, and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
Challenges include deep sand, lack of shade, bugs and heat exposure. Bring water, sunscreen, a snack and good footwear. Dress according to the weather.
Come get acquainted with the FTA and enjoy a hike.
Phone number on day of hike: Melissa 727-207-3013All participants are required to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form.
This form may be previewed at: https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
All 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**
