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
37
Richloam Overnight
richloam fire tower, 38294 richloam claysink road, Webster, FL, USDust of your backpacking gear! Let's backpack to the Richloam South primitive camp and enjoy a night in the woods. Volunteers have spent the summer cleaning up the trails and even replaced the picnic table!
We will meet the Richloam Fire Tower parking area and then make a visit to the historic Richloam General store before heading out on a short 4 mile hike to the camp. This is meant to be an easy going short hike. If you would like some bonus miles then take a short hike out and back to the Devil's Creek bridge from the South Camp.
Our camp site is primitive. No running water, no bathrooms. For water you will need to carry enough in your pack, filter from the nearby Withlacoochee River, or stash some water where the trail crosses Lacoochee Grade road.
You will need to be versed in pooping in the woods and using leave no trace principles. For more info check out REI's advice here:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hygiene-sanitation.htmlHave all the necessary gear for shelter, sleeping, food prep, and hygiene. Bring layers to keep yourself dry.
Most likely the weather will still be warm and moist. Mosquitos and ticks are prevalent. I have good luck with the portable Thermacell to use around camp.Sunday morning we will hike back to the parking area on the same trail.
8 attendees
Past events
1782
