About us
We are the westernmost chapter of The Florida Trail Association. Our chapter maintains the sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail located in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. In addition to trail maintenance, we also love to hike and get involved in other outdoor activities. We hope you will join us at any of our many hiking and maintenance activities held throughout the year. We encourage you to post your photos and videos taken at these events. We regularly share these photos and videos with the Western Gate chapter website and FTA social media.
The Western Gate Chapter of the Florida Trail Association established its Meetup group for the purpose of scheduling and advertising its trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, and camping activities. Meetup allows members to communicate directly with other members, have group discussions, post photos, and leave comments on an event’s page. It is the policy of the Western Gate Chapter that such communications shall be limited to the stated purpose of the Florida Trail Association (see floridatrail.org), events posted by the Western Gate Chapter, and related activities (hiking, paddling, camping). The Western Gate Chapter wants all of our Meetup group’s members to feel comfortable as part of this group and not be subject to any communications that might be considered inappropriate. Members who receive inappropriate messages are encouraged to report them to the group’s organizers.
Upcoming events
83
Naval Live Oaks Hike - 7.2 Miles
FPL Gulf Breeze Substation, 1110 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL, USNaval Live Oaks - 7.2 Miles
Let's go for a hike at Naval Live Oaks. The Naval Live Oaks area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the most wooded areas in the park and features several miles of hiking trails.
We will hike about 3.0 mph (brisk pace) on up and down some hills including the big bluff along Pensacola Bay, on the Andrew Jackson Trail, and by Brown's Pond. Expect this hike to last about 2.5 +/- hours. No pets, please.
What to know: A Gulf Islands National Seashore entrance fee is not required ~ Bring drinking water and snacks ~ Restrooms are available towards the end of the hike. This hike will cross US-98 (Gulf Breeze Parkway) twice. Once without a cross-walk and once with a cross-walk.
Where To Meet: Use Google Maps and meet here: https://goo.gl/maps/TvdL2aMSTQjK1xAL6
Meet in the gravel parking lot for the FPL Gulf Breeze Substation. If you are turning left off Gulf Breeze Parkway use the traffic light for the Gulf Breeze Hospital, then turn right into the first parking lot (at the water tower), then go through the parking lot to the power substation. For those turning right off Gulf Breeze Parkway, there is an access road to the power substation between the animal hospital and doctor office.
This hike is open to FTA members and nonmembers. If you are not a member of the Florida Trail Association, but would like to join, visit floridatrail.org and click on Get Involved.
Hiker Leader Info: My name is Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp. I'm a snowbird from Dayton, Ohio who spends six weeks at Pensacola Beach during the months of January and February. Back home, I'm the organizer and a hike leader for a Meetup group called Dayton Hikers.
My cell number is 937-475-5417. Call or text if you have any questions, but not if you are lost and need directions. Trust Google Maps for directions, not me.
1 attendee
Graham Creek Nature Preserve - 5 Miles - Foley
Graham Creek Nature Preserve, Wolf Bay Drive, Foley, AL, USLet's go for a 5-mile hike at Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley. We will hike mainly on the Creek Crawl Trail. This is a scouting hike, as I have never hiked here before. But the trail map doesn't look too complicated. This hike will last ~2 hours.
Things to know. Guests permitted. No pets. Expect possible mud and poor trail markings. Bring drinking water.
About Graham Creek Nature Preserve: With over 600 acres of land owned by the City of Foley, Graham Creek Nature Preserve is dedicated to the preservation of native plants and wildlife. Graham Creek Nature Preserve contains numerous unpaved, rustic nature trails designed for hikers, off-road cyclists, and wildlife watchers. The miles of marked and unmarked trails are great for people who want to take the well-trodden path and also for those who wish to get away from the crowd and feel like they’re “in the middle of nowhere.”
This hike is open to FTA members and nonmembers. If you are not a member of the Florida Trail Association, but would like to join, visit floridatrail.org and click on Get Involved.
Hiker Leader Info: My name is Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp. I'm a snowbird from Dayton, Ohio who spends six weeks at Pensacola Beach during the months of January and February. Back home, I'm the organizer and a hike leader for a Meetup group called Dayton Hikers.
My cell number is 937-475-5417. Call or text if you have any questions, but not if you are lost and need directions. Trust Google Maps for directions, not me.The Legal Stuff: I'm just a fellow member volunteer, not your hiking guide or guru. By participating in this event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in hiking activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in a condition fit to participate. If you have any doubts, you should consult your doctor. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and hiking rules during your participation on this hike.
4 attendees
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