About us
Welcome to our Meetup Group for hikers in Florida's central panhandle!
The purpose of this meetup group is to introduce you to the Florida Trail and the Panhandle Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA), and to encourage you to become an FTA member.
Please consider becoming a member of the Florida Trail Association!
(Note that Meetup membership is not the same as FTA membership)
Membership in the FTA requires a small annual fee, but entitles you to many benefits: the FTA newsletter called the Footprint, access to our "members-only" activities, and access to training such as Wilderness First Aid, chainsaw certification, and activity leader certification. But most important, FTA membership is your opportunity to support the goals and ideals of the Florida Trail Association.
To become a member of the FTA, talk to a friendly Chapter member at one of our meetings. Or you can go to the FTA website, www.floridatrail.org. From there, click on JOIN!
The Chapter is responsible for maintaining the part of the Florida National Scenic Trail from the Apalachicola River near Blountstown, FL; the Altha Trail near Altha, FL; along the Econfina Creek between Scott Road and Hwy 20; and the FNST through Pine Log State Forest to the Choctawhatchee River. The Panhandle Chapter of the FTA welcomes members from Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Gulf, and Calhoun Counties.
The Panhandle Chapter hosts monthly meetings featuring nature programs and plans several outdoor activities each month of interest to all ages.
Our Chapter typically meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Science and Discovery Center in Panama City, FL.
For merch, please see our [Stickermule.com](https://www.stickermule.com/dfa60db9af20ae1) store.
Upcoming events
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Garden of Eden Trail (3.75-mile hike)
The Nature Conservancy Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve (Garden of Eden trail), Garden of Eden Rd, Bristol, FL, USJoin us on a 3.75 mile hike ... and hike off some of those chicken wings you're going to eat later! This strenuous and gorgeous trail is located within the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. The views are worth the effort!
*Important note...Bristol is in Eastern time zone. Panama City is Central. Our hike will be a 12 pm CST/ 1 pm EST.
Be a responsible hiker: Eat a breakfast with protein before coming. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring 2 liters of water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and whatever else you might need to have a fun, safe hike. Many will find a hiking stick helpful on this particular trail. This is typical of forest hikes in Florida...sand, tree roots, uneven trail & a wet area or two. It's also rather hilly and has a reputation for causing the heart to beat faster & respirations to increase. Who here is used to that? The trees seem bigger & wilder, the woods deeper & darker, the vista more expansive. It's unique for Florida with a bit of magic sprinkled in...
***They don't allow pets here
***Don't sign up & not show up. It's super uncool- we're all just a bunch of volunteers who love the woods & nature. We love taking people out with us! Change your RSVP or leave us a comment to let us know. TYIA
Make sure you can receive Meetup notifications.
There is no fee to enter the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. A donation box is provided at trailhead.
There are also no restrooms; plan accordingly! Carpooling encouraged.From The Nature Conservancy:
The Garden of Eden hiking trail is a 3.75-mile round-trip, self-guided trail through forests that local legend claims is the original Garden of Eden. Beginning in longleaf pine/wiregrass uplands, the trail soon skirts the top of a dramatic steephead ravine, descends steeply through the slope forest to cross a seepage stream and then ascends the opposite slope back to sandhills. The trail eventually opens to an iconic view at Alum Bluff. At 135 feet above the Apalachicola River, Alum Bluff is the largest natural geologic exposure in Florida.
Please keep in mind that climbs are steep and arduous. Many find a hiking stick helpful. For your safety, please stay on the trail, observe all signs, and do not follow service roads. Stay well back from the edge at Alum Bluff as you follow the orange-blazed trail along the river. Pets are strictly prohibited.12 attendees
SAVE THE DATE: IDIDAHIKE 2026 - Choctawhatchee Chapter
Pine Log State Forest Sand Pond Recreation Area, 5583-A Longleaf Rd., Ebro, FL, USThis meetup event is an FYI only to help us know who will be attending from our chapter - this is not a Panhandle Chapter event.
You must sign up and register on the FTA website: https://floridatrail.org/ididahike/
Required: $80 Registration (per participant)
Optional: $30 Camping Tent spot (Fri and Sat night)💖Fall in Love with the Wild at IDIDAHIKE 2026!💖
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day adventure! The Choctawhatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association is thrilled to host IDIDAHIKE 2026 on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, promising a day overflowing with natural beauty, thrilling exploration, and heartwarming connections.
🌲Unveiling the Wonders of Nokuse: A Sanctuary of Love and Life🌲
This year, we invite you to embark on truly unique hikes within the breathtaking Nokuse Land Conservancy, a vital black bear and gopher tortoise sanctuary nestled within the magnificent Florida Wildlife Corridor. Imagine traversing landscapes where the wild heart of Florida beats strong, where every step takes you deeper into an ecosystem teeming with life.
Our specially curated routes will guide you along the trail winding through the pristine wilderness of Nokuse, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the raw beauty of our state’s natural heritage. This isn’t just a hike; it’s an immersion into a world where conservation and adventure intertwine.
🐻A Celebration of Love – For Nature and Each Other!🐻
Embrace our enchanting themes of “Bear” and “Valentine’s Day” as we celebrate not only the incredible wildlife that calls Florida home but also the camaraderie and shared passion of our outdoor community. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new friendships, and rekindle your love for the great outdoors.
Beyond the trails, IDIDAHIKE 2026 will be a vibrant hub of activity! Engage with fascinating speakers who will share insights into Florida’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. Savor delicious treats from a variety of food trucks, ensuring your energy is replenished for all the excitement. Discover and connect with lots of great outdoor-minded people who share your enthusiasm for adventure and preservation.
⛺Extend Your Wild Romance: Camping Under the Stars!⛺
For those who wish to extend their Valentine’s Day celebration with nature, we are excited to offer 40 exclusive campsites in Pine Log Wildlife Management Area! Imagine spending the evening under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the Florida wilderness.
📩Ready to fall in love with IDIDAHIKE 2026?📩
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the heart of Florida’s wild beauty. We can’t wait to see you there!
3 attendees
Chapter Meeting: Cindy Mulla "The Mosquito Lady" & Chapter Officer Elections
The Science and Discovery Center, 308 Airport Rd, panama City, FL, USJoin us in February for our annual meeting where our guest speaker will be Cindy Mulla. Cindy is a prominent public outreach and education specialist with the Beach Mosquito Control District in Panama City Beach, Florida, serving in this role since 2005. Affectionately known as "The Mosquito Lady," she focuses on public education,,, community outreach, and promoting mosquito bite prevention, such as using EPA-approved repellents (DEET/picaridin) and eliminating standing water.
Are you interested in the Florida Trail and wondering if there is more that you can do? Then come to our February meeting where we will be discussing our committees and places that we are looking for people to help out. We can use people with administrative skills, people who like to tinker and fix things, planners, idea people, writers, and more.
We will also be voting to elect our 2026 chapter officers. Voting is open to all current memberships of the Panhandle Chapter of the Florida Trail Association which are in good standing. Attendance in person is required to vote.
8 attendees
Past events
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