FLORIDA TRAIL and the FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION

The Florida Trail Association was formed in 1966 with the main purpose being to build trails in Florida.  The volunteer organization completed their first trail of 26 miles through the Ocala National Forest in 1969.  Current plans call for adding at least 300 more miles to the 1000 plus miles of trails already completed and maintained by the Association.

In 1983, the U.S. Department of Interior endorsed the Florida Trail, making it one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the country.  You can now hike the entire length of Florida from Loop Road in the Big Cypress National Preserve to Ft. Pickens on Santa Rosa Island.  By doing the linear and loop trails through out the state, you could hike more than 1800 miles through 80 different habitats!

Our local branch of the Florida Trail was established in 1986.  www.apalachee.floridatrail.org  The Apalachicola section of the trail covers 77 miles going along river banks, forests, the Bradwell Bay Wilderness and even skirts the Gulf of Mexico while hiking through St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Our branch maintains the trail from the Aucilla River west to the Apalachicola River, along with loop trails at Ft. Braden, Phipps Park, and Torreya State Park.  Maintenance is scheduled on a regular basis, and extra volunteer help is always welcome.

The Trail is a treasure for those Vitamin N folks seeking to explore Florida's unique habitats.  Visit your local chapter's web site for information on meetings, planned hikes, activities, and how you can help to preserve this remarkable piece of Florida.

Isn't volunteerism great???   There wouldn't be a single mile of safe trails to set your foot on with out the Association!