What we’re about
Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association
Welcome to the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association's Meetup page!
The Sandhill Chapter is a community of Florida Trail Association members in the following counties: Alachua, Marion, Levy, and Gilchrist. We have activity leaders that plan hikes, provide outdoor skills workshops, trail maintenance, and community events in our region.
To become a member of the Florida Trail Association, please visit https://floridatrail.org/
To read more about our chapter and visit our official social media accounts, please visit this link and scroll to Sandhill Chapter: https://floridatrail.org/our-chapters/
While most events are open to everyone, some events are only available to Florida Trail Association members. We encourage everyone to become members and support the nonprofit responsible for developing, maintaining, protecting, and promoting a network of hiking trails throughout the state.
Meetup is a way for us to advertise our events and strengthen our community.
If you have any questions, please message admins Leo Dugger or Ashley Kusel.
Happy hiking!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- The Appleton Museum presents the Southern Express Big BandAppleton Museum of Art, Ocala, FL
9:30 AM -Meet Maria outside the museum for FTA sign-in.
Or-come whenever you want, optional group lunch at 1:00 pm. Join Maria and return to the museum after lunch to wander through the exhibits. It’s a classic experience! Welcome friends and family of FTA members.
At 11 a.m. Southern Express Big Band will have a special performance in the auditorium. This lively 17-piece ensemble will perform a diverse variety of musical hits, from traditional to modern. The auditorium doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Free as part of Free First Saturday; no reservation needed to attend.
Location: 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
Directions: Seven miles east of I-75 on SR 40 (Exit 352)
Leaders: Maria Fiedler and Marsha Jordan
Description: Join the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association in visiting the Appleton on July 5 for Free First Saturday! Explore the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
The current special exhibition is the Wild Wetlands: Expressions of Florida's Environment “Wild Wetlands,” curated by Appleton intern Emily Hudson, showcases 22 works inspired by the dynamic beauty of the wetlands. Rather than portraying them as distant scenery, these pieces invite us to see the wetlands as they truly are living, wild, colorful and constantly in motion.
Lunch limited to FTA Members, family and friends. We will meet in the front lobby at 1:00 pm and head to El Toreo for lunch.
RSVP by 7/02/25 via Meet-Up
Florida Trail Association (FTA) Inc. is a volunteer membership organization with the primary purpose of developing, maintaining, promoting, and protecting the Florida Trail. Join FTA, just $40 per year - https://florida-trail-association.givecloud.co/join - Bike Nature Coast State Trail:Fanning Springs to Suwanee River w/picnic&swimNature Coast Trailhead, Fanning Springs, FL
Location: Fanning Springs Trailhead start location: 17441 NW Old Fanning Road, Fanning Springs FL 32693, Please refer to the Bicycling trail etiquette details on the Florida State Parks, Nature Coast State Trail website. www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/nature-coast-state-trail Highlight is the Trestle bridge over Suwanee River.
Time: Sign in-11am. Ride at 11:15am E Bikes welcome. Check email for weather related changes/updates.
Description: This will be a ~ 18-20-mile bicycle ride on the paved flat trail. The ride speed will be 9-13 mph average. HELMET is required to be worn during this ride. Rest stop at Suwanee River Trestle bridge location..
Return to cars and drive to Fanning Springs State Park (18020 NW US 19 Fanning Springs FL)for a picnic and swimming.
Park entrance fee: $6/vehicle up to 8 people, $4 for single occupant vehicle or use your state park pass.
Directions: Please use trailhead location-address given above.
General Information: HYDRATE before the ride. Bring water and snacks per preference. Sunscreen is a good idea. HELMET is required.
Bathrooms: No at Trailhead, yes in SP.
Other amenities: Ride a well maintained multipurpose trail to a cool trestle bridge over the Suwannee.
Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to: FTA Members over 18 yrs. of age- 20 Seasoned, strong bicycle riders. Be able to ride 18-20 miles at average speed of 9-13 mph on the trail. Bicycles should be in good rideable condition. I recommend that you have your bicycle checked out at a local bicycle shop if you have not ridden your bike within the past week or so. Tire pressure, chain lube, brakes, etc. need attention for safety and riding performance.
Attending the picnic/ swim part of the trip?
Members must have strong, proficient swimming skills if swimming in the 70’s degree spring waters. Bring personal snorkel, mask and fins as desired. Swimsuit, towels, change of clothing and chair/blanket and most important your PICNIC of choice, if attending Fanning Springs SP.Not an FTA member? Join FTA by phone, 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join.
