What we’re about
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events
18
GTM/WMA Hike to the tower - The LONG way around
GTM Trailhead Pavillion, 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra, FL, USJoin us as we hike out to the Capo Creek Observation Tower, but this time we are taking the long way around!! This will be a moderate paced hike and we will adjust the hiking pace to accommodate the slowest hiker. The length of the hike will be aproximately 6.0 miles long. If we are feeling good we may tack on another mile. Please note that this is NOT a hike for novice or begining hikers. You need to be comfortable covering 6 miles at least. Our plan is to go out on the orange trail continuing into the Guana Wildlife Management (GWM) Area until we get to the tower. This hike will have some shadded and some very exposed sections. This hike will be held rain or shine, and will only be canceled for thunder and lightning storms. If we are lucky, we will see lots of birds and possibly an alligator.
We will meet at the picnic pavilion that is located near the parking lot at the end of the gravel road. Here they do have water, and flush toilets. Please note that we are NOT meeting at the GTM visitor center. While dogs are allowed on the tails at the GTM, we are asking that you do not bring dogs on this hike. We are also asking that children not participate on this hike. You must bring and be willing to carry water. We are recommending some form of sun protection such as a large hat, sun umbrella, or a sun shirt. I would also suggest, highly suggest a net face cover. The last time I was out the horse flys were out! Hikers are asked to make a personal emergency medical card and to place the card in an easily accessible location in your pocket or pack.
Parking: Simply park, then scan the QR code (premiumparking.com) or text the lot number (P5913, P5912, P5911, P5910) to 504504 and follow the directions. $3 fee for one day
For more information about GTM: https://gtmnerr.org/visit/
For more information about FTA: https://floridatrail.org/
For more information about the North FL Trailbalzers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers
12 attendees
November Trail Mantenance Day in Osceola NF Tureky Run Trailhead
Turkey Run trailhead, Osceola National Forest, Lake City , FL, USPlease join NFTB for a Florida Trail (FT) work day in the Osceola NF. We’ll be working on a segment of the FT that includes the Osceola Shelter; the oldest shelter on the FNST.
Please bring loppers, bug spray, water, food, gloves, and closed toe shoes/boots. PPE will be provided and are required to be worn. Dress according to the weather. Wear orange, if available as hunting season will be open in the forest. Limit of ten (10) people for this event. You do not have to be a Florida Trail Association member to participate.
Please note that we will be meeting at 0830 AM to complete required paperwork, list the work to be accomplished, have a safety brief, then start work. Please be on time.
From Jacksonville, take US 90 west to the Osceola NF. Go past the Olustee State Park sign. In approximately one mile, turn RIGHT on CR-250A. Stay on the road as it passes signs for the Ocean Pond Campground and crosses over I-10. Continue on CR-250A until you reach an “T” Intersection with CR-250. Turn RIGHT on CR-250. In approximately 1/4 mile you’ll see the TURKEY RUN TRAILHEAD on the LEFT hand side. Park where space available.
Information about the North FL Trailblazers: https://www.facebook.com/NorthFloridaTrailblazers
9 attendees
Past events
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