About us
June 4th, 2021
This group is operated by the Florida Trail Association.
We are a community who love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, and give back by way of volunteer trail maintenance.
Joining this Meetup does not constitute membership in the FTA and unless specifically mentioned, you are not required to hold an FTA membership to participate. Events which are FTA Members Only will be clearly indicated.
The Suncoast Chapter serves over 500 FTA members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. We maintain The Florida National Scenic Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando. Find out more about the FTA Suncoast chapter at https://sites.google.com/floridatrail.org/suncoastfta/.
Within these boundaries we also maintain a section of the Florida Trail Western Corridor which encompasses the Citrus, Croom, Richloam Tracts within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Green Swamp West, as well as popular loop trails within these tracts.
https://floridatrail.org/maps-and-databook/
Trail systems that we also are responsible for include Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Upper Hillsborough WMA, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Withlacoochee River Park.
Our chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational and volunteer work events throughout the region.
We work in cooperation with the US Forest Service, State Forest Service, SWFWMD, DEP, and other land managers to keep the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Western Corridor, and designated side trails open for recreational use.
We sponsor many events on non FTA designated land tracts, trail systems and waterways.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc (the "Association") activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons.
The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participants on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the Activity Leader(s) and the Association, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association, Activity Leaders, nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness I might sustain from participating in an Association activity.
By joining the Suncoast Chapter Meetup Group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.
JOIN THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-differen...
Upcoming events
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Triple Crown Event #1 - CROOM 3-DAY BACKPACKING - Do All 3 Win a T-Shirt!
Smith Prairie Trailhead Parking, Brooksville, FL, USCALLING ALL INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED BACKPACKERS:
We had so much fun last year we are doing it again - Let's Go!!! Join us for the first event of the 2026 Triple Crown backpacking series. FTA members who complete all three events will win a T-shirt plus bragging rights.
The 2nd event in the series is scheduled for 10/23/26 through an area of the Ocala National Forest, route TBD.
The 3rd and final event of the series is scheduled for 1/15/27 in the Citrus tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, route TBD.
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: This trip is limited to 20 total. If you RSVP, you will have to answer 3 screening questions and you will be placed on the waiting list. Activity leaders will screen the waitlist in order of joining and move you to the "Going" list assuming you clear screening. A registration fee of 15.00 is due to attend this event. The fee will be collected outside of Meetup. Though not required for registering, preference may be given to dues-paying members of the Florida Trail Association. You can join the FTA at Contribute – Florida Trail Association. Please read the rest of the material below!
WHAT: 3 days and 2 nights of backpacking and primitive camping in the Croom Tract in Withlacoochee State Forest. 26 miles total hiking. There will be cached water at each campsite and, and some trail magic along the way.
DAY 1 - 10 miles counter-clockwise on the B-C, B and A-B loops to Primitive Camp Zone West.
DAY 2 - 9 miles from PCZ West on the B and C loops to the Primitive Camp Zone East.
DAY 3 - 7 miles on the A loop back to trailhead.
WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2026, at 8AM SHARP. Park and meet at the Smith Prairie Parking Area, (THIS IS A CHANGE!!!) where Croom Rd crosses FR7. This is 1.7 miles east of Tucker Hill Day Use Area (we will carpool and start/finish at Tucker Hill). Pack and gear checks, orientation and how ya doin's, then hit the trail at 8:30AM. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be left behind. There is NO NEED to purchase a day use pass.
WHO: You have some experience doing a fully self-supported overnight backpacking trip and you have the necessary gear and know how to use it. Necessary gear means, shelter, food, water, cooking, backcountry hygiene (you've purposely pooped in the woods...responsibly), rain protection, sleep gear and clothes for all weather conditions.
WARNINGS: Honestly assess your skill level, gear and fitness for this trip. Though rescue is possible, the shame will be long-lasting. Wear something orange, it's hunting season in the forest. Hunting is not permitted near trails, but, well, you know the locals... Weather can be unpredictable, from hot to cold, dry to wet and nights can get downright chilly. Sleeping cold all night is no fun. You must sign an assumption of risk at the orientation.
17 attendees
Florida Trail Fest 2026
Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park, Osceola St and Foster Barnes Dr, White Springs, FL, USFlorida Trail Fest is a Florida Trail Association event. This meetup event is for information and for travel coordination. On-site camping is limited, so book ASAP.
Florida Trail Fest 2026 – Registration is Open!
Get ready for a weekend you won’t forget! Florida Trail Fest 2026 is happening March 6–8, 2026 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture State Park in White Springs, FL.
Get all the details and secure your spot now at floridatrail.org/fest.
This free event brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers from across Florida to celebrate our state’s 1,500-mile National Scenic Trail.
Stay for the full weekend and enjoy • On-site camping • Guided hikes • Live music • Guest speakers • Vendors and community partners • Endless opportunities to connect with the trail community
Admission is FREE, but registration is required! Camping rates cover the entire weekend and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they're gone, they're gone!
See you at Florida Trail Fest!
32 attendees
Beginner-Friendly Backpacking and Overnight Camp at Starkey Wilderness Park
Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL, USHi everyone, Are you new to hiking or camping—or just looking to try out some gear and enjoy the outdoors? Come join the Florida Trail Association – Suncoast Chapter for an adventure hiking with a full backpack and overnight camping afterwards at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park!
Date: Saturday, March 7 at 11:30 AM – Sunday Morning, March 9th
Location: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, 105 Wilderness Park Blvd, New Port Richey, FL
Group: Florida Trail Association, Suncoast ChapterWhat to Expect: We’ll hike approximately 4 miles at a comfortable pace (1–2 mph) along the orange-blazed trail, ending at Starkey Group. Campsite B, just a short walk from the parking lot. You will be hiking with your full backpack so pack wisely. We will finish the hike at the camp area and then setup our gear. Water will be available at the camp site or bring your own to store in your car.
This event is not for those seeking to learn bush crafting, or survival skills.
This is a great opportunity to:
- Learn trail basics like reading blazes and using hiking apps
- Test your gear in a safe, supportive environment
- Enjoy nature and meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts
- The campground includes restrooms, showers, and picnic shelters, and is close to your car in case you need a backup plan.
Meeting Point: Corral Parking Lot at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Meet at 11:30 AM | Hike begins at 12:00 PM
To cover the cost of the campsite I'll be collecting $3.00 from each attendee the day of the event.Directions: Drive 0.5 miles into the park, turn right at the stop sign after the Smokey the Bear sign and continue to the end of the road. Look for the FTA Event Sign at the Corral Parking Lot.
Additional Info:
- A burn ban is in place so no campfire.
- Conditions may include deep sand, limited shade, and variable weather (hot, humid, cold, or rainy).
- What to Bring:
- Tent or hammock for camping
- Minimum 3L of water (extra can be stored in your car)
- Sleeping pad and sleeping bag/quilt
- Comfortable hiking shoes (may get wet)
- Weather-appropriate clothing (day, camp and night)
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Bug spray
- Food for lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks
- A happy attitude!
What not to bring:
- Canned food
- Heavy water bottles or metal canteens
- Foods needing coolers/ice
- Water filter
Resources to get started backpacking:
Tips for getting started: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-beginners.html
Gear sites:
https://www.rei.com
https://www.garagegrowngear.com
https://www.backcountry.com/Questions? Send a message through meetup to Shawn for help with gear choices, packing or anything else related to the event.
We’re excited to see you out on the trail!
Florida Trail Association – Suncoast ChapterAll participants are required to sign an "Assumption of Risk" form.
This form may be previewed at: https://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf
All participants are encouraged to join our non-profit organization, Florida Trail Association.
For more information on the Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) and the Florida Trail Association (FTA) & how to join FTA:
** https://floridatrail.org **9 attendees
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