What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Melon Hike #2 - Hog Island to Iron Bridge (w/ Optional Hog Island Camping)Hog Island Day Use Area, Bushnell, FL
WHAT: Hike out and back from Hog Island Trailhead to Iron Bridge approx. 8.5 miles, enjoy a mid-hike watermelon refresher at the Iron Bridge. Optional camping Friday and Saturday nights at Hog Island Campground with river swimming, communal dinner, campfire, stargazing, connecting with nature. Comment below or Direct message me on Meetup for camping details if you want to camp with us.
WHEN: Saturday 8:30AM for sign-in and "how ya' doins;" hit the trail at 8:45AM sharp. Remember, early is on time, on time is late, and late is left behind.
WHERE: Park in the Hog Island Day Use Area by the Hog Island Trailhead. You can obtain a day use pass on the Florida State Forest website. Melon refresher at the Iron Bridge turnaround courtesy of our resident Sherpa, Mike Friedman. For anyone who wants to camp overnight, I've reserved a large site at rustic Hog Island Campground or, if you want your own, there is plenty of availability on Reserve America. Search for "Hog Island Campground" in Withlacoochee State Forest. This rustic campground has baths and showers, water, but no electric and is a short walk from the trailhead. There is river access as well for anyone wanting to take a swim or kayak.
WHO: It's high summer in Florida. Hot, humid and possibly muddy at times. Please carefully assess your fitness for up to 9 miles of hard, hot hiking. Though rescue is feasible, the shame will be long-lasting, lol.
BRING: Hat, sunglasses, bug spray, sunscreen, 2 liters of water, snack, a good attitude, and a desire for moderate suffering. If you want to camp Friday and/or Saturday night, don't forget your tent or car camping rig!
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: You assume all risks for this event. If you forage, you do so at your own risk. If you eat something you shouldn't have and wind up on a journey to center of your mind, that's on you. All participants will be required to sign FTA's assumption of risk statement which can be found at FTA-Assumption-of-Risk-March-30th-2022.pdf (floridatrail.org).
Hope to see you there!
