About us
Sandhill & Black Bear Chapters of the Florida Trail Association
Welcome to the Sandhill & Black Bear Chapters of the Florida Trail Association's Meetup page!
The Sandhill Chapter is a community of Florida Trail Association (FTA) members in the following counties: Alachua, Marion, Levy, and Gilchrist. The Black Bear Chapter members are in Putnam, Flagler and Volusia counties. Our activity leaders that plan hikes, provide outdoor skills workshops, trail maintenance, and community events in our region.
You are welcome to attend any activity sponsored by any FTA chapter.
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.
Meet -Up is a way for us to advertise our events and strengthen our community.
If you have any questions, please message our administrators Leo Dugger or Ashley Kusel.
Happy hiking!
Upcoming events
4
Walk into the Past-Ellaville,a Florida Ghost Town
Ellaville FL, 596 NE Drew Way , Lee, FL, USLeader: Jane Blais 352.318.4602 Co-leader : Jim McCarty 715.338.4471
Time: Please sign in by 9:00 a.m. Be ready to walk out at 9:15 a.m.
This is ~ 4 mile hike that's mostly shaded. Trail is on west bank of the Upper Withlacoochee River, we'll walk through native upland habitat on an uninhabited stretch of Big Oak Trail with frequent vistas of the Withlacoochee. For those who've not seen Suwanacoochee Springs. Yes it's worth the drive. Also it's a welcome cool dip in the spring after a nice hike. Bring your water, snack or lunch and bug spray of choice. We can lunch on the blocks of stone at the spring or on the CCC picnic tables back near parking area.
Ellaville is one of Florida's most historic ghost towns. A former 19th century lumber boomtown is situated right at the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwanee Rivers. Nature has quietly reclaimed most the town back but we'll see relics of the old Suwanee River Store, Hillman Bridge (formerly US90), and the Suwanee River Railroad Bridge (which directly led to the largest & deadliest civil war battle fought in Florida) The trail goes underneath this landmark trestle which also serves as a large bat house. If we're quiet we can hear them chittering. (Who's Guano Go First ? )
No restroom facilities at parking area, but across river at Suwanee River State Park there are and there is a food mart/ gas station on Hwy 90 before you get to Ellaville
Hike limited to current FTA members only please. RSVP text appreciated.
Dogs OK -on short leash / stay back of group.
Location : GPS 30.38687, -83.17473
Google Maps Address: Town of Ellaville, Northeast Drew Way, Lee, Fl.
Apple Maps : 596 NE Drew Way Lee, Fl 32059
Directions For those of us who are tech challenged:
From Gainesville: I- 75 North to I-10 WEST towards Tallahassee (Exit 435)
I-10 West 22 miles to Exit 275/US90 West towards Lee,FL- turn Left on US 90- drive approx 6 miles.
Cross the Suwanee River then take the First Right on Drew Way ,go almost a half mile till you see parking on the left-turn left into the parking lot.
Google Says: 1 hour 15 min from Archer Road Exit 384 - Allow 1.5hours.
*** If you text RSVP Jane that you want to meet up at Suwanee River State Park- you can caravan from there.4 attendees
Gainesville Hawthorne State Trail 4 Mile Hike
Rochelle Parking GHT, 8416 County Rd 2082, Gainesville, FL, USNOTE: Meetup time 8:45
Date: Monday, September 7, 2026
Location: (Google Map) Rochelle Parking GHT (Apple Maps) Witness Tree Junction, 8416 County Rd 2082
Time: 9:00 AM, Arrive by 8:45 to sign in
Leader: Marsha JordanDescription: Join the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association for a 4-mile hike, generally considered an easy route. With its mix of pine flatwoods, bayhead swamps, hardwood forest and scrub habitat, these trails offer much diversity. It is mostly shaded to keep things cool.
Optional lunch after at Blue Highway, 204 NE Hwy 441, Micanopy
Fees: None
General Information: Bring a hat, water, sunscreen, proper footwear, and snack if you like. Bug spray is always a good idea. Also have an emergency medical card (info) in your pack.
Bathrooms: No
Dogs allowed: Well behaved dogs on leash are welcome
RSVP via Meet-UpFlorida 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
13 attendees
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