August 25, 2026

Welcome to the Florida Trail Association's Waypoint newsletter where you'll find the latest updates, stories, opportunities & activities from across the Florida Trail Association community.

Upcoming Webinar 🐍 How well do you know Florida's snakes?

Join the Florida Trail Association on September 15 for Snakes of Florida: Living & Hiking Alongside Potentially Dangerous Wildlife with Tiffany Bright and Sean McKnight of The Rattlesnake Conservancy.

Learn how to identify common native species, what to do if you encounter a venomous snake on the trail, what to do in the event of a bite, and why these animals play such an important role in Florida's ecosystems.

Plus: interactive trivia!

Join Us for Florida Trail Community Night!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Florida Trail Association! Join us for a casual evening at Swamp Head Brewery to learn more about the 1,500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail and connect with the people who help care for it.

Whether you're a longtime Florida Trail hiker or just curious about the trail, stop by to:

Discover places to hike
Learn about volunteer opportunities and upcoming work parties
Pick up trail maps and information
Ask questions and meet local FTA volunteers
Grab Florida Trail stickers and giveaways
Browse FTA merchandise

Come grab a drink, meet fellow trail enthusiasts, and find your place in the Florida Trail community!

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 6–9 PM

Swamp Head Brewery | Gainesville, FL

Free and open to everyone!

Join us for FT Community Night!

🥾 Volunteer Work Party: Nokuse Land Conservancy

Join FTA staff and the Choctawhatchee Chapter for a volunteer trail maintenance work party at Nokuse Land Conservancy in Walton County, October 9–12!

Come for a day or stay for the whole weekend. Enjoy camaraderie, learn new trail skills, and help care for the Florida Trail. Food, campsite, training, and tools are provided!

📅 October 9–12

📍 Nokuse Land Conservancy, Walton County

Whether you're a seasoned trail volunteer or new to trail work, there's a place for you!

Keep an eye out for more volunteer events in the coming weeks!

IDIDAHIKE REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join us December 11–13 for IDIDAHIKE, a weekend of camping, hiking, paddling, biking, good food, campfire hangs, and fun all weekend long!

Choose your adventure:

6 hikes from an easy paved walk to a challenging 15-mile trek

Guided paddle on the Withlacoochee River (Limited Spaces)

Gravel bike ride through the Green Swamp (Limited Spaces)

Your $60 event fee includes your activity + meals, and kids 11 and under are FREE.

There are LOTS of camping options whether you love the comforts of an RV or curled up in your tent with your dog.

$125 RV Camping - Pet Friendly

$95 Car Camping Site - No Pets

$65 Group Camping - No Pets

$65 Group Camping - Pet Friendly

Set up camp, make some new trail friends, grab some FTA merch, and spend a weekend exploring the wild beauty of the Green Swamp and Withlacoochee State Forest.

UPDATE: FTA Strategic Planning for 2027-2031

The FTA Strategic Planning Committee was formed in the Spring to draft a Strategic Plan for the next 3-5 years. The Committee has identified FTA priorities along with strategies to achieve those priorities. Ideally a draft will be ready for Board review in early 2027.

The Committee met in May and July and solicited input from FTA Staff, Board Committees and the membership via Chapter Council. The Committee's next meeting is in late August to start refining and organizing input.

If you have expertise or experience in non-profit strategic planning, please consider assisting the Committee. If you’re interested and available to assist, please contact the FTA Executive Director Sean Amidon or Tom Daniel

FT Hiking Stick Medallion

Celebrate trail memories with a classic FT hiking stick medallion. Featuring the official FT emblem on durable enamel and designed to curve around on your hiking stick. It's a simple way to commemorate the miles you’ve walked and the adventures still ahead.

FNST Shield Patch

You've seen the sign on the trail, now wear it proudly. At 3.5" x 3.5", it’s the perfect addition to a backpack, jacket, hat, vest or gear bag. The official Florida National Scenic Trail shield is more than a logo. It’s a symbol of every trail mile and the community that helps make it possible.

Ultimate Thru-Hiker Map Packet w/ Data Book

If you or someone you know is planning a FT Thru Hike, you need THIS! The packet includes EVERYTHING you need to plan, navigate and experience the Florida Trail from end to end. Don't hit the trail without it!

FTA Retro Ringer Shirt

Celebrate FTA's 60th Year! Some things never go out of style. The Retro Ringer Shirt brings classic trail vibes with ultra-soft cotton, a relaxed fit and vintage-inspired contrast trim. It’s ready for the trail or the campsite.