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The Florida Trail Association develops, maintains, protects, and promotes a network of hiking trails throughout the state, including the unique Florida National Scenic Trail.
Together with our partners we provide opportunities for the public to hike, engage in outdoor recreation, participate in environmental education, and contribute to meaningful volunteer work.
| | Central Florida Chapter Update | |
Spring on the Trail
March always feels like a turning point.
The days stretch a little longer, the weather begins to shift, and across Florida the trail starts calling people back outside. For our chapter, this season is always a reminder that the Florida Trail is not just a path across the landscape — it is also a thread that connects people, stories, and communities.
This month many of us had the chance to gather for Florida Trail Fest, and it was a joy to see so many familiar faces from across the state. Events like this remind me just how special this community is. There is something powerful about seeing hikers, volunteers, leaders, and supporters come together around a shared love of the trail.
One of the highlights for me was spending more time in conversation with our founder, Jim Kern. His vision and determination helped bring the Florida Trail into existence, and it is always meaningful to hear his stories and reflections. Conversations with those who have deeply loved our trail from the beginning are a reminder that the trail we enjoy today exists because people believed it was worth building, protecting, and passing on.
It was also a pleasure to spend time with our new Executive Director, Sean Amidon. Trail Fest offered a wonderful opportunity for many of us to connect with Sean and welcome him more fully into the Florida Trail community. It was encouraging to see him meeting volunteers, talking with hikers, and learning more about the people who keep this organization strong — chapter by chapter and mile by mile.
That spirit of connection is something I continue to value deeply about the Florida Trail Association. Yes, we care about blazes, bridges, and boardwalks, but we also care about one another. We share advice at trailheads, swap stories around campfires, and celebrate the landscapes that bring us together.
Our chapter reflects that same spirit. Whether you joined us for a hike, helped with chapter work behind the scenes, attended a meeting, or simply stayed connected through this newsletter, thank you. You are part of what makes this community welcoming, active, and strong.
As we move deeper into spring, I hope you will find a little time to get outside, invite someone along, and enjoy the trail. After all, the best way to celebrate the Florida Trail is to share it.
See you on the trail.
Chelsey Stevens
Chelsey Stevens
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February Chapter Meeting | |
📅 Thursday, March 19, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Leu Gardens – Magnolia Room
🍎 Bring a snack to share and join us for an evening of community, conservation, and storytelling.
🥾 Featured Speaker
Jen Powers
Once an overweight and overworked suburban mom, Jen Powers found a new path in her 50s — quite literally. Inspired by a dream of one day walking the Camino de Santiago, she began hiking as a way to reclaim her health. What started as a personal goal quickly grew into a deep love for the outdoors and the transformative power of long-distance hiking.
Jen used the Florida Trail as her training ground, where mile after mile helped her build strength, confidence, and a lasting connection to the trail community. Since then, she has logged several thousand miles across multiple states and throughout Europe.
In this inspiring talk, Jen will share:
- How a simple goal to walk the Camino sparked a life-changing journey
- Why the Florida Trail became the perfect place to train and grow as a hiker
- Lessons learned from thousands of miles on trail
- Encouragement for anyone curious about taking their first steps into hiking or backpacking
Jen is an avid hiker and backpacker who passionately encourages others to discover and explore Florida’s beautiful trails. Whether you’re new to hiking or already dreaming of your next long-distance adventure, her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start.
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Highlighted Hike of the Month
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Hal Scott Preserve
A beautiful expanse of pine flatwoods and floodplain forests in the midst of Growing communites in southeast Orange County, Hal Scott Preserve protects over 9,500 acres in the Econlockhatchee River Basin. Named after a former president of the Florida Audubon Society, this St John’s River Water Management property offers miles of interconnected multi-use trails with a few primitive campsites placed along the way.
The easiest trail to tackle is the White Loop, a 4.3 mile trek through the flatwoods, with an optional 0.4 mile side trip to a historic bridge crossing over the Econlockhatchee River. Known as Curry Ford, this spot is where stagecoaches and horses could cross the river near the Curry Plantation en route from Tampa to Titusville. On the other side of the water, the Yellow Trail loop adds an additional 6.3 miles to the hike, and hike-in access to two primitive campsites.
At the north end of the preserve, the Red Loop connects with the White Loop for an additional 6.1 miles, which in turn links with the trail systems of Pine Lily and Long Branch Preserves, both managed by Orange County. In the future, a linear section of the Florida Trail will cut through the park, once the Central Florida reroute is complete. Camping is free; two hike-in sites are first come, first served, and a drive-in group campsite can be reserved in advance online.
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Seminole State Forest Offers Excellent Backpacking and Hiking Just North of Orlando
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By Rob Rogers
The eastern corridor of the Florida National Scenic Trail has several excellent legs that are easy to reach from Orlando for short backpacking trips at charming backcountry campsites. Most are in flood plains for the St. John’s River and its tributaries. But as the Florida Trail bends northwest on its way to the Ocala National Forest, it passes through a scenic stretch of the Seminole State Forest that transitions from the wetter lowlands to the sandy hills and forests to the north. The Seminole State Forest’s 7.5-mile stretch of the Florida Trail between the Bear Pond and Cassia trailheads is excellent for linear day hikes or one-night backpacking outings.
Covering more than 28,000 acres just north of the Wekiva Parkway (SR-429) between Sanford and Sorrento, Seminole State Forest provides a vital wildlife corridor connecting the Wekiva River Basin to the Ocala National Forest, and its scrub lands provide a sanctuary for the endangered Florida scrub-jay, the only bird species endemic to Florida. From its eastern border along the Wekiva River to the northern end of the State Forest’s southern tracts near Cassia, Seminole State Forest also contains a kaleidoscope of ecosystems, including most of the kinds found in Central Florida. It’s also one of the best places in Central Florida to see a Florida black bear.
The southern half of Seminole State Forest is also very popular with nature-loving families and outdoor enthusiasts, as it has more than 30 miles of hiking trails, as well as more than 25 miles of equestrian trails and even roads popular with cyclists. There are also eight reservable campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, three of which are located on the Florida Trail south of the Cassia trailhead. Perhaps Seminole State Forest’s best-known campsite is Shelter Camp, which has an Adirondack shelter like those found on the Appalachian Trail.
A great way to get acquainted with Seminole State Forest is to take a one-night out-and-back Sulfur Camp. After parking at the Bear Pond trailhead at the southern entrance just north of State Road 46, start at the kiosk where the Florida Trail bends east into the forest at the entrance to the parking area. You’ll then hike 5.4 miles on the FT to Sulfur Camp, traversing scrub oak forests and fields of pine and palmetto, after passing Shelter Camp and the mailbox at the junction with the white-blazed Lower Wekiva Loop. After passing a section of pine flatwoods that was recently burned, you’ll cross Black Water Creek, a scenic tributary of the Wekiva River that’s also popular with paddlers.
The large open clearing at Sulfur Camp sits among tall pines and is large enough to accommodate several tents, which also makes it ideal for stargazing. Sulfur Camp also has a special bonus, a nearby 0.1-mile side trail leading to tiny Shark Tooth Spring, which spills from a crack in the limestone into a jungle-like setting. A small boardwalk over the stream created by the spring provides a refreshing place to pat a sweat-soaked brow after a long hike. Although there are many springs in Seminole State Forest, this is one of the few that can be reached so easily from its trails.
Seminole State Forest is also a great place to see Florida’s wildlife. With the frequency of bear sightings, use of a bear bag or bear canister at camp is a must. And although I didn’t see any bears, I did have plenty of turkeys around my campsite, and I saw my fair share of scrub-jays on the trail.
Campsites at Seminole State Forest can reserved online for around $9 per night plus around $6 in transaction fees and taxes; there’s also a free hike-in campsite on the 10.5-mile Lower Wekiva Loop. The best place to park overnight is at the Bear Pond trailhead 0.3 miles past the State Forest’s southern entrance off State Road 46. For family friendly hiking and camping, Seminole State Forest is one of the best places to taste the natural beauty of Central Florida.
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Rob Rogers is the award-winning author of Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida. He also writes a blog called the “Central Florida Backpacking Desk Jockey”, and his essays and articles on backpacking have been published on FloridaHikes.com and in the Wilderness House Literary Review, Outdoors Unlimited, and Go World Travel.
| | The Second Edition of Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State Will Hit Shelves in May! | | Use discount code 31AU326 for orders placed by March 31! | |
Bike Ride to Osteen Diner
When: March 21st, 10:00 AM
Activity Leader: Stuart Dropkin
The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association is sponsoring a Bike Ride on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10 am from Lake Monroe Park, 975 S Charles Richard Beall Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713 to the Osteen Diner, a distance of 13 miles. After a refreshing break when participants can order from the Diner, we will return to our starting point.
All FTA members are allowed to participate even if MEETUP places you on the WAITLIST. It is required to wear a Bike Helmet and suggested to bring hydration and a bike lock.
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Hike of the Month: Hal Scott Preserve
When: March 28th, 10:00 AM
Activity Leader: Chris Stevens
Explore one of the largest remaining pine flatwoods landscapes in east Orange County on this 4.7-mile loop hike through Hal Scott Preserve.
For this month’s hike, we’ll follow the White Loop through classic Florida flatwoods, with spur leading to Curry Ford, a historic crossing on the Econlockhatchee River. In the days of stagecoaches and horse travel, this was one of the places travelers could cross the river near the Curry Plantation while journeying between Tampa and Titusville.
This is a great hike for anyone wanting to experience Florida’s pine flatwoods ecosystem, with open forest, sandy trails, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
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Firefly Hike and Potluck Dinner in the Woods
Highlanders chapter
Sat. March 21, 2026 Meet at Lake Norris trailhead at 6:00 PM
We will transport your food dish and chairs to the camp by car while we hike the 1.5 miles in. There will be a campfire. We'll enjoy the sunset, watch the birds soar over the lake, and have dinner around the fire. Then after dark, around 8:00 PM, we'll hike back and see the fireflies along the trail. The hike is usually over around 9:00 PM. This is a very easy level hike along a forest road and a lot of fun for kids too. Arrangements can be made for retired hikers attending to drive into the camp.
Bring a chair, flashlight, bug spray, jacket, and your dinner item to share with serving utensils and your drink. Chapter will provide plates and silverware. No restrooms available at the park. No pets or alcoholic allowed. Please no perfumes or colognes.
Email Diane with your RSVP and dish you plan to bring at Dammiller@aol.com.
If weather is bad contact Diane - as this event may be canceled since there is no longer a barn shelter.
Directions to Lake Norris Trailhead: GPS: 28.913943, -81.544539
From the intersection of CR 437 and SR 44 (Publix on corner) turn north onto CR 437 and go 1.7 miles. Turn right onto CR 44A (also known as Burlington Avenue). Go about 1/2 mile to the second left onto Lake Norris Road. Go about 2.5 miles and turn left into the Lake Norris Conservation Area trailhead which is just before the sharp 90 degree turn in the road. If you reach the bridge – you’ve gone a bit too far.
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Trimble Park
A superb family destination for its playground and campground, Trimble Park boasts a showy nature trail looping over a mile between two lakefronts.
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32nd Annual Winter Series!
Join us for our annual Winter Wednesday Hikes and Thursday Paddles. Each event is numbered for your convenience and scheduled to allow you to explore the unique beauty of Central Florida's natural landscapes. These activities are perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring with others.
The Winter Wednesday hikes are listed in the Footpath and past participants will be notified by email but they will not be on Meetup.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader
Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626
WEDNESDAY HIKES - Start at 9:30 AM
Week 11. Mar 18 - Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Reserve Loop
Week 12. Mar 25 - ONF/ St. Francis: Loop Trail & “End-of-Series” Pot-Luck Picnic
THURSDAY PADDLES - Start at 9:00 AM
Week 11. Mar 19- Spruce Creek - Cracker Landing to US A1A
Week 12. Mar 26 - Blackwater Creek, Wekiva River, St Johns to Highbanks
Winter Series Camping
Wk-11. Mar 17 &18 - Tiger Bay Bennett Camp - Primitive…all sites reserved for us
Wk-12. Mar 24 & 25 - River Forest Group Camp - showers/no electric…reserved for us
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Welcome New Members👋
Joining the Florida Trail Association and affiliating with our Chapter has it’s perks...taking that step forward since our last newsletter were:
Danica Bolton
David Bottomley
Tony Bryant
Jason Eskew
Sarah Goldberg
Cheryl Smyth
Greg Stamer
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Upcoming Trail Maintenance
The Central Florida Chapter wrapped up their yearly maintenance on January 13th at Charles Bronson State Forest. Go check out the freshly mowed and blazed paths!
We have some tentative bridge build projects coming up, so stay tuned. The 2026-2027 schedule will be released later this year, starting with our annual Trail Maintenance Kick-off at the Mills Creek Woodlands in September. Request to be added to the Trail Maintenance email list here - cfchapter@floridatrail.org
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Todd Wiseman Jr. & Christa Boarini: A Land Remembered Film Adaptation
Since its release in 1984, A Land Remembered has been described as a lightning bolt on Florida’s culture, becoming required reading in Florida classrooms for years, not just as historical fiction, but as an inheritance of a way of life that once was. The story of the MacIvey family’s rise from poverty to prominence spans 150 years of Florida history, tracing the tension between survival, ambition, stewardship, and loss.
It has captured the hearts and minds of those who identify with “old Florida”, and in no small part has inspired countless individuals, even a generation, to protect the land in which these stories take place. In fact, go look on the bookshelf of anyone remotely associated with old Florida and you’re guaranteed to find a copy of the iconic book.
In this episode, I sit down with Todd Wiseman Jr. and Christa Boarini, the director and producer spearheading the television adaptation of A Land Remembered. This isn’t just a conversation about the mechanics of filmmaking. It’s about why this story, right now, matters for how Floridians see their land, their heritage, and the wild places still worth protecting.
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🌟 Ready to Lead the Way?
As the trail comes alive with fall wildflowers and cooler breezes, it’s the perfect time to turn your passion for hiking into something even more impactful—becoming a Certified Activity Leader with the Central Florida Chapter.
Our trail community thrives because of the volunteers who step up, lace up, and lead the way. If you’ve ever thought, “I could do that”—you can. And we’re here to help you every step of the way.
🥾 It’s easier than you think:
To become certified, simply co-lead two different activities with two different certified leaders. This shadowing experience is a great way to build confidence and learn the ropes in a low-pressure, supportive environment.
🤝 Team up with current leaders:
Many of our Activity Leaders have upcoming hikes and would love a helping hand. Whether you’re interested in weekend treks, beginner-friendly walks, or rugged backwoods adventures—there’s a space for you.
📞 Let’s get you started:
Reach out to our Activity Leader Coordinator, Bill Turman, at 407-413-2950 or email HokieBill@bellsouth.net. He’ll connect you with upcoming opportunities and answer any questions you may have.
✅ Certified Activity Leaders:
Rachael Augspurg
Ron Aube
Stuart Dropkin
Kristen Gilbert
Kelley Galvin
Erica Johnson
Ned James
Jim Krell
Elda Larche
Mary-Slater Linn
David Magness
Tom Regan
Jerry Rogers
Chelsey Stevens
Chris Stevens
Bill Turman
🌱 Whether you want to give back, grow your leadership skills, or just share your love of the outdoors with others, becoming an Activity Leader is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Let’s hit the trail—together.
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Newsletter Archives
In August of 2023, our chapter newsletter moved from printed copies to a digital format. Thanks to our Past Chair and acting Activity Coordinator Bill Turman and his safekeeping of these documents, our website now hosts Footpath Newsletters dating back to September 2013. All of the newsletters can be viewed on our website here!
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10% off all regularly priced clothing, footwear, and gear
Offer limited & some exclusions apply
Travel Country Outfitters supports Florida Trail Members Simply show proof of membership at the register
www.travelcountry.com 407-831-0777
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Chelsey Stevens - Chapter Chair
Jerry Rogers - Trail Coordinator
David Magness - Membership Coordinator
Kelley Galvin - Treasurer
Doug Kucklick - Outreach Coordinator
Chris Stevens - Media Coordinator
Tara Treuil - Secretary
Bill Turman - Activity Coordinator
Mary-Slater Linn - Program Coordinator
Media Committee
Rob Rogers
Outreach Committee
Rue Nilson
Stuart Dropkin
Roxane Abelow
Hospitality
Rue Nilson
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Join Our Committees!
Interested in getting more involved without the commitment of a leadership position? We're excited to announce the formation of committees to support our leadership roles, and we're seeking enthusiastic volunteers. Initially, we're focusing on the following committees, with plans to expand to additional roles in the future:
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Media Committee: This team will manage social media, share photos, write articles, and coordinate contributions from others.
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Outreach Committee: Members will help set up and staff tables at various outreach events.
If you're interested in joining one of these committees, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!
We hope everyone enjoys a cool and safe summer. Thank you for your dedication to our community and for taking the time to connect with your leadership team. Have a wonderful season!
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📬 Note on Newsletter Distribution
We’re excited to share that our chapter membership is growing — and that’s a great thing! To ensure we’re able to continue sharing updates with our active members, we regularly remove addresses from our email list who are not current members of the Florida Trail Association.
Due to the limitations of our current email platform, we’re capped at 500 subscribers. As much as we’d love to send the newsletter to everyone, the cost and platform restrictions make it unsustainable.
If your membership has lapsed, this newsletter may no longer arrive in your inbox — but you can still access it anytime on our website and social media pages.
Want to keep receiving updates by email? Simply renew your membership and we’ll gladly add you back to the list!
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