What we’re about
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 (2)
See all- Volunteer Work Party – Walsingham Bridge Area of the Econfina SectionFlorida Trail State Hwy 20 Trailhead, Panama City, FL
Join us for a volunteer work party where our focus will be on mowing and keeping the trail maintained offseason. The plan is to have two trail crew leaders each leading a team running a self-propelled walk-behind mower. Other tools to be used to assist in getting mowers through. Each crew will head in opposite direction and maintain comms with other crew via walkie-talkies and cell phones. Sturdy shoes, long pants are required. Long sleeves are recommended. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. All participants need to bring at least 32 oz fluids and some kind of snack. If you have any questions please contact the ride leader at 850-819-0414 or dupdegrove@gmail.com. Work party will be cancelled if Heat Stress level is above extreme caution per the National Weather Service Heat Index scale. We plan to knock of work by 11:00 AM.
We will meet at the Route 20 trailhead about 5 miles east of HWY 77, across from Asphalt Plant Road. GPS Coordinates: 30.42839, -85.60977
