About us
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events
7
Evening Hiking Series - Hanna Park
Hannah Park, 500 Wonderwood Drive, Atlantic Beach, FL, US🥾 Evening Hiking Series #2 – Hanna Park with the North FL Trailblazers 🌅
Join the North FL Trailblazers for the second hike in our Evening Hiking Series at beautiful Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park! This relaxed evening hike is a great way to enjoy nature, decompress from the week, and explore one of Jacksonville’s favorite coastal parks.
### 🌲 About the Hike
We’ll be hiking approximately 3–4 miles through the shaded trails of Hanna Park. Depending on weather and group interest, we may add an optional extra mile along the beach, offering beautiful ocean views. Keep in mind that the beach section will be fully exposed to the sun, while most of the trail portion is nicely shaded.
For this hike, we are encouraging a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere on the trail. While light conversation is always welcome, we hope to keep noise to a minimum so everyone can unwind from the week, enjoy the sounds of nature, and increase our chances of spotting local wildlife along the trail.### 🎒 What to Bring
Please come prepared for a comfortable and safe hike:
- Water (required)
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Bug spray if you prefer
### ⚠️ Event Guidelines
- Participants must be 17 years or older
- Please leave dogs at home for this hike
- Pace will be relaxed and welcoming for social hiking
### 🩺 Safety Request
Please create a personal emergency medical card and keep it in an easily accessible place in your pocket or pack during the hike. This helps hike leaders and emergency responders quickly access important medical information if needed.
🚗 Park Entrance Fee
There is a $5 per vehicle entrance fee, which covers up to 6 people per car. Please plan accordingly.### 🌿 About the Organization
This event is hosted by the North FL Trailblazers, a chapter of the Florida Trail Association. Our chapter helps promote outdoor recreation, stewardship, and awareness of the Florida National Scenic Trail throughout North Florida.
### 🔗 Learn More
- About Hanna Park: https://www.timucuanparks.org/parks/kathryn-abbey-hanna-park/
- Florida Trail Association: https://floridatrail.org/
- North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers/
Come enjoy a peaceful evening on the trail—new hikers are always welcome! 🌿🥾🌊
15 attendees
Hike and Swim at Little Talbot Island State Park
Little Talbot Island State Park, 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL, USLet's have another adventure at Little Talbot. After hiking almost 4-miles at Little Talbot Island State Park, first in the woods and then meandering on the beach looking for shells and critters, we will go swimming in the nice, brisk water temperatures of the Atlantic and have lunch. Remember, cold water is good for you. Bring your towel and bathing suit to go swimming and/or just enjoy your lunch on the beach. For the hike, you must have water. Also recommend a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray.
There is a $5 fee per car to enter the park. After driving past the ranger station, the parking area is on the left. Look for the FTA Trailblazers event signs.
You can pay your entrance fee from home and bring the receipt to show to the ranger? Check out this link *on the day of the event* https://reserve.floridastateparks.org/Web/Memberships/CustomerMembershipPasses.aspx
22 attendees
Evening Hiking Series - GTM/WMA Tower Hike
GTM Trailhead Pavillion, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra, FL, US🌅 Evening Hiking Series #3 – Capo Creek Observation Tower | North FL Trailblazers
Join the North FL Trailblazers for the third hike in our Evening Hiking Series as we head out to the Capo Creek Observation Tower for a peaceful evening on the trail.
This will be a moderate-paced hike, and we will always adjust the pace to accommodate the slowest hiker in the group. The hike will be approximately 4 miles round trip.
Our route will follow the Orange Trail, continuing into the Guana Wildlife Management Area (GWMA) until we reach the observation tower. The trail includes a mix of shaded forest sections and some exposed areas, so come prepared for the conditions.### 🌿 Special Request for This Hike
For this particular hike, we are encouraging minimal conversation while on the trail. This allows everyone to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and increases our chances of spotting wildlife along the way.
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### 📍 Meeting Location
We will meet at the picnic pavilion near the parking lot at the end of the gravel road.
Please note: We are NOT meeting at the GTM Visitor Center.
This location does have:- Flush toilets
- Water
- Picnic pavilion
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### 🚫 Important Participation Notes
- No dogs for this hike (even though they are normally allowed at GTM).
- Adults only – no children for this event.
- You must bring and carry your own water.
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### 🎒 Recommended Gear
- Water (required)
- Sun protection (wide-brim hat, sun shirt, or sun umbrella)
- Face net strongly recommended — horse flies were active during the last visit
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Bug spray
Safety Request:
Please create a personal emergency medical card and keep it in an easily accessible place in your pocket or pack during the hike.***
### 🚗 Parking Information
Parking is managed through Premium Parking.
- Park in the lot
- Scan the QR code on the sign (premiumparking.com) or
- Text the lot number P5913, P5912, P5911, or P5910 to 504504 and follow the directions
Fee: $3 per vehicle for one day
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### 🔗 Learn More
- More about the GTM Reserve: https://gtmnerr.org/visit/
- Florida Trail Association: https://floridatrail.org/
- North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers/
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Come spend a peaceful evening on the trail, enjoy the coastal forest, and experience one of the beautiful overlooks in the GTM Reserve with the Trailblazers. 🌿🥾
16 attendees
Past events
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