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
20
3RD ANNUAL MYAKKA RIVER SP BACKPACKING ADVENTURE
Myakka River State Park, 13208 State Road 72,, Sarasota, FL, USPLEASE READ CAREFULLY - THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS EXCLUSIVE OF TRIP LEADERS. YOU MUST BE AN EXPERIENCED BACKPACKER WHO IS CAPABLE OF HANDLING A FULLY SELF-SUPPORTED BACKPACKING TRIP, INCLUDING FOOD, FOOD HANGS, WATER TREATMENT, SHELTER. DAILY DISTANCES WILL BE APPROX. 10-13 MILES. FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION MEMBERS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENCE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS. YOU CAN JOIN FTA AT Contribute – Florida Trail Association. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN YOU CAN ATTEND. EVERYONE WILL BE PLACED ON THE WAITLIST PENDING CONFIRMINATION BY EVENT HOSTS. IF YOU ARE CONFIRMED, THEN YOUR NAME WILL APPEAR ON THE "GOING" LIST.
WHO: You are an FTA member for priority availability. You have experience in self-supported backpacking. You know how to manage your food safely, treat water, set up shelter, practice outdoor hygiene, and leave no trace. Assess your fitness for 3 days of hiking with full pack. Rescue, though possible, will be a bummer for everyone.
WHAT: We will do a 3-day/2-night thru-hike of the Myakka River State Park Backcountry Hiking Trail. We will primitive camp on Friday and Saturday nights at the Oak Grove and then Bee Island backcountry campsites. There should be working well water at both sites, but treatment is recommended.
WHERE: YOU MUST ENTER PARK AT THE PARK SOUTH ENTRANCE ON SR 72. We will meet at the South Entrance Ranger Station for check-in. Park in the lot to the right of the Ranger Station. Once checked-in, we'll shuttle a few cars to the Fox's Low Road trailhead. The park opens at 8AM. Be at the park gate by 7:45AM on Friday as there is usually a long line to get in. By 8:30AM we'll shuttle to the trailhead, do a gear check, orientation, map review, and then hit the trail.
WHEN: To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be left behind.
EXPECT: Myakka River State Park's backcountry is wild Florida at its finest and most challenging. Expect changing trail conditions including rough terrain, mud, water crossings, open prairie, thick scrub, deep oak hammock. The park is home to wild pigs, coyotes, fox, venomous snakes, gators among other wildlife. You will hear it all at night. If this freaks you out, then this trip may not be for you.
BRING: In addition to your normal backpacking kit, make sure you include sunscreen, bug spray, hat, sunglasses, 2-3 water bottles, first aid, trowel or wag bag, fire starting tools, water filter or water treatment chemicals, poncho and pack rain cover. The park charges a $6 entrance fee, and each participant will also need to reimburse me for the overnight camping fees of $12 per person.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: All participants will be required by FTA to sign the Assumption of Risk form. It can be previewed at the following link:
https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
FINAL WORDS: Once again, this is limited to 10 participants plus 2 leaders. When you sign up, please answer the questions so we can determine your ability to participate in this event.
11 attendees
Morning Hike - Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park - 3.8 mile hike with optional 1.3
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, USSunday 8:15 AM – 11:00 AM
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Fees: Free
Main 3.8 mile Hike:
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 Shelter 5 which is next to parking lot 8.
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 a 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. No water along the way. Bring water, sunscreen, a snack and good footwear. Dress according to the weather.
Additional 1.3
Additional 1.3 miles optional at the end of the 3.8 mile hike from Parking Lot 8. Starkey Wilderness Nature Trail is a 1.3 mile route that burrows deep into the Pithlachascotee River floodplain amid enormous trees and deep shade. Our route starts at the original access point behind Shelter 5 at Parking Lot 8. If you join expect to be back at Parking Lot 8 around 10:40AM.
Come get acquainted with the FTA and enjoy a hike.
Phone number on day of hike: Melissa 727-207-3013Please contact me if you have any medical question on your physical fitness for this event.
All 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**12 attendees
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