|
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.
| | Meet Roxane - Our Incoming Chapter Chair! | |
We are excited to introduce Roxane, who has graciously stepped forward to serve as the next Chair of the Florida Trail Association’s Central Florida Chapter, pending formal approval by chapter leadership at our October 15 meeting.
Roxane brings a genuine passion for the Florida Trail, a commitment to the FTA’s mission, and an enthusiasm for bringing people together through outdoor recreation and volunteerism.
When asked what inspired her involvement with the Florida Trail Association, Roxane shared:
“I joined the Florida Trail Association because the mission is so important. That the hikes are always enjoyable is a bonus. The camaraderie and group accomplishments of trail maintenance was the hook that made me a more active member. Bridge building can be epic or muddy good fun.”
Looking ahead, Roxane hopes to build on the chapter’s accomplishments by growing membership, expanding opportunities for outdoor activities, and encouraging more people to get involved in supporting the Florida Trail.
We are grateful for her willingness to take on this important volunteer leadership role and look forward to the energy, ideas, and perspective she will bring to our chapter.
Please join us in welcoming Roxane! We hope you’ll have an opportunity to meet her at our upcoming chapter meeting on Thursday, October 15.
| |
|
|
📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕡 6:30 PM
📍 Leu Gardens, Magnolia Room
🍎 Bring a snack to share and join us for an evening of community, conservation, and storytelling.
🐦 Featured Speakers
Kathy Rigling and Susan Thorne-Barrett
Kathy and Susan from the Orange Audubon Society will be speaking on where and what kind of wildlife can be found on the Florida Trail. Florida is along the Atlantic Flyway, a more than 3,000 mile stretch from the arctic tundra in Greenland to the tropical areas of South America and the Caribbean. The Atlantic Flyway encompasses a variety of ecosystems that supports hundreds of bird species.
Migratory birds travel along the Flyway to find food sources or reach breeding grounds. Many of these migratory species spend time in Florida, contributing to the incredible birding opportunities the state offers. Of course, the trail is not just a great place to see birds; a variety of other animals and insects can be seen as well! Visitors can find everything from zebra longwing butterflies to black bear!
| |
Highlighted Hike of the Month
| |
Lake Harney Wilderness Area
Situated on the north shore of its namesake, Lake Harney Wilderness Area protects nearly 300 acres. Now owned and managed by Seminole County, this land has a storied history. Archeological evidence suggests indigenous peoples occupied the area as long as 4,000 years ago, producing shell mounds where the lake empties into the river. In more modern times, the Seminoles established a settlement known as King Philips Town, and the site was later the town of Osceola. This rural wilderness area offers two separate trails; one alongside the Lake Harney, and another near the St. Johns River at the northern terminus of the Flagler Trail.
The Floodplain Loop Trail features an impressive accessible tower overlooking the lake, where blankets of sunflowers can be seen in the distance. From an accessible parking spot at the trailhead, a concrete walkway leads out to a composite decked boardwalk ramp that reaches the overlook after a quarter mile. The loop trail begins at the parking area, providing a much closer look upon the floodplain before returning to the trailhead in 1.1 miles.
Closer to the St. Johns, the River Loop Trail showcases shady oak hammocks and a view of the river where a railroad bridge used to cross over the water. Using the Flagler Trail, a hike in to the river and along the loop makes for a 1.5 mile round-trip.
| | | Hunting Dates to Avoid for Backpacking in Central Florida | | |
By Rob Rogers
With November now only a month away, we are finally approaching backpacking season here in Central Florida. But as most Florida Trail lovers know, most forested sections of the Florida Trail are on land that we share with hunters. And although most hunting seasons are short (often only several weekends a year), they vary from forest to forest and can be tricky to keep track of. I’m therefore providing the list of notable hunting dates in my favorite nearby places to backpack that I recently posted on my blog.
[Please note that I’ve listed only the dates for general gun and muzzleloading gun season (i.e., deer, hog, and turkey). Although hunting areas also have seasons for archery, small game, raccoon, and even fox and bobcat, those seasons seem to be less busy and are therefore less risky for hikers and backpackers. If you’d like links to other hunt dates for the specific areas listed below, you can find them in my recent blog post (https://backpackingdeskjockey.blog/2026/10/06/hunting-dates-2026). You can usually still hike through these areas during hunting seasons—but you’ll want to make sure you wear plenty of orange while you’re on the trails.]
Key Central Florida Sections of the Florida Trail (south to north)
Tosohatchee WMA: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 29-Nov. 1 and Nov. 5-8 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 19-22 and 27-29 (2026). Wild Hog-Dog: Jan. 15-17, 18-21 and Feb. 12-14 and 15-18 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 20-22 and Apr. 2-4, 16-18 (2027).
Seminole Ranch WMA: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 20-22 (2026). Wild Hog-Dog: Jan. 30-Feb. 5 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 14-15, 21-23, and 27-29 and Apr. 3-5 and 17-19 (2026).
Bronson State Forest: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 13-15, 20-22, and Dec. 4-6 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 20-23, 26-29, and Apr. 2-5 (2027).
Little Big Econ WMA: Muzzleloading Gun: Nov. 6-8 and 13-15 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 20-22, 27-29, and Dec. 4-6 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 20-23, 25-28 and Apr. 1-4 (2027).
[These hunt dates are only for the Kilbee and Yarborough Tracts of the Little Big Econ WMA–There is no hunting along the sections of the Florida Trail running through Little Big Econ State Forest.]
Seminole State Forest: General Gun: Oct. 23-25, Dec. 5-8, 9-13 (2026). Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 20-24 and 27-31 (2027).
Other Notable Nearby Sections of the Florida Trail, Eastern Corridor
Bull Creek WMA: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 24-26 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 7-8 and Nov. 9 (2026) – Jan. 3 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 12-15 and Mar. 20 – Apr. 25 (2027).
Ocala National Forest (south of the 88 Store):
· Pipeline Unit (SR 42 north to SR 40 + CR 314 north to CR 316): General Gun: Nov. 14 (2026) – Jan. 10 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 25-28 and Apr. 1-4, 8-11, and 15-18 (2027).
· Hopkins Prairie Unit (FR 46 north to CR 314): Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 14 (2026) – Jan. 10 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 25-28 and Apr. 1-4, 8-11, and 15-18 (2027).
[No hunting is permitted in the Juniper Wilderness Area (between the Pipeline and Hopkins Prairie Units).]
Three Lakes WMA: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 30-Nov. 1 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 20-22 and 27-29 (2026). Wild Hog: Dec. 4-6 (2026) and Jan. 15-17, 29-31, and Feb. 26-28 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 20-22, Apr. 2-4, 16-18 (2026).
Notable Nearby Sections of the Western Corridor
Green Swamp East Tract: Wild Hog-Dog: Oct. 1-4, 8-11 (2026). General Gun: Dec. 5 (2026) – Jan. 31 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, Mar. 20 – Apr. 25 (2027).
Green Swamp West Tract: Wild Hog: Oct. 10-12 (2026). Wild Hog-Dog: Oct. 21-23 (2026). General Gun: Jan. 7-10, 21-24 and Feb. 4-7 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 20-23, Mar. 29 – Apr. 1, and Apr. 3-6, 12-15, and 17-20 (2027).
Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest: General Gun: Nov. 21-29 (2026), Nov. 30-Jan.17 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 12-15, 20-28 and Mar. 29 – Apr. 25 (2027).
[There are also hunt dates for Wild Hog in April, May, and June (2027), but only for portions of Richloam that are east of CR 471 (which are east of the Florida Trail and the three main hiking loops there).]
Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest: Muzzleloading Gun: Oct. 24-26 (2026). General Gun: Nov. 7-29 (2026). Turkey: Mar. 20-22, Mar. 30 – Apr. 1, and Apr. 13-15 (2027).
Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest: Muzzleloading Gun: Dec. 4-6, 18-20 (2026). General Gun: Dec. 11-13 (2026) and Jan. 1-3 (2027). Turkey: Mar. 12-15 and 23-26 and Apr. 6-9 and 20-23 (2027).
-------
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.
| | |
Bike Ride on the Little Econ Greenway
When: October 17, 9:00 AM
Activity Leader: Stuart Dropkin
All are invited to attend a 12 mile bicycle ride sponsored by the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association. The bike ride will begin at Little Econ Greenway Parking lot off of HWY 50 (E. Colonial Dr.) and turn around at Little Econ Greenway Lokanotosa Trailhead. On the way back, we will stop at Blanchard Park for a picnic or snacks. Other stops will be at the participates requests. There are several facilities along the scenic riverside route. This will be all paved trail except for a block of sidewalk. This can be a crowded trail, and you should expect to encounter many other users of all types. Our pace should be approximately 7-9 mph, this is a "no drop" ride and we will have a dedicated "sweep" following the group. All are welcome that can maintain this pace, Bicycle helmets are required to participate in this event. Other suggestions of items to bring are hydration, food, sunscreen, a lock, spare tube or repair kit, and sunglasses.
|
| |
33rd Annual Winter Series - 2027!
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 / Thursday Paddles
Wk-1- 1/6,7: Hike FT, CR 445 South / Paddle Alexander Run
Wk-2- 1/13,14: Hike FT, CR 445 North / Paddle Stagger-Mud Lake
Wk-3- 1/20,21: Hike FT, Farles TH South / Paddle Blue Creek
Wk-4- 1/27,28: Hike FT, Farles TH North / Paddle TBD
Wk-5- 2/3,4: Hike FT, Hopkins TH South / Paddle Juniper Run
Wk-6- 2/10,11: Hike FT, Hopkins TH North / Paddle Ocklawaha R-G
Wk-7- 2/17,18: Hike FT, Dam TH North / Paddle Ocklawaha D-19
Wk-8- 2/24,25: Hike Caravelle Ranch Loop / Paddle Ocklawaha 19-SJR
Wk-9 - 3/3,4: Hike FT/Blue, SR 19 / Paddle Ocklawaha G-E
Wk-10- 3/10,11: Hike FT, CR 314 South / Paddle Salt Springs Run
Wk-11-3/17,18: Hike FT/W, CR 314 Eaton TH / Paddle Ocklawaha R-SF
Wk-12- 3/24,25: Hike Silver Spgs SP, Silver Trail / Paddle Silver River
Winter Series Camping
Wk.1- 1/5: Alexander Springs -showers/no electric
Wk.2- 1/12: Alexander Springs -showers/no electric
Wk.3- 1/19: Buck Lake Group Camp - Primitive - Reserved for group
Wk.4- 1/26: Buck Lake Group Camp - Primitive - Reserved for group
Wk.5- 2/2: Juniper Springs - showers/no electric
Wk.6- 2/9: Juniper Springs - showers/no electric
Wk.7- 2/16: Rodman Campground -showers/electric
Wk.8- 2/23: Rodman Campground -showers/electric
Wk.9- 3/2: Salt Springs - showers/electric
Wk.10- 3/9: Salt Springs - showers/electric
Wk.11- 3/16: Fore Lake - showers/no electric
Wk.12- 3/23: Fore Lake - showers/ no electric
Add text and link it
| | | |
🍂 2026 Thanksgiving Campout 🍂
Thursday, November 26 – Sunday, November 29, 2026
📍 Manatee Springs State Park – Chiefland
The 2026 Thanksgiving campout and dinner will be a combined outing with the Highlander and Central Chapters at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Fl. Thanksgiving 2026 will be on Nov. 26th. Many campers like to arrive on Wed. so that means as Fla. residents you can start making your reservations on Dec. 25, 2025 or Dec. 26 if you want to arrive on Thanksgiving day.
It is highly recommended to make your reservation as early as possible as this park will fill up quickly. We will try to locate in the Mag 1 loop. The park has glamping tents with AC/heat for those that don’t want to tent or RV camp. There is hiking in the park and bike trails with a connection to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail. The park is located on the Suwannee River with a first magnitude spring for swimming and paddling too.
THIS MEMBERS-ONLY EVENT IS FOR FTA MEMBERS WHO PAY DUES TO THE STATE ORGANIZATION & THEIR GUESTS
📩 For more information, contact:
Diane Dammiller at dammiller@aol.com 📞 352-205-9620 or
Mary-Slater Linn 📧 sierraclub01@yahoo.com 📞 407-701-6475
| | Orange County Green PLACE Hiking Spree | | |
The 2026-27 Hiking Spree started on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 26, 2026, and runs through Earth Day, April 22, 2027.
Visit Orange County’s Green PLACE properties and hike any of the 40 trails. Record your hikes to earn Green PLACE achievements and rewards.
The more trails you hike, the more rewards you earn! After completing your hikes, submit your completion form by May 1, 2027, to receive your rewards and celebrate your achievements.
| | Second Edition of the Hiker's Guide to the Sunshine State is Now Available! | Authors Sandra Friend and Chris Stevens will be signing books at Black Cat Coffee in Titusville on October 17 from 10 AM - 1 PM! | | | IDIDAHIKE at Withlacoochee River Park | | |
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:
🥾 Six 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.
| |
2026-2027 Trail Maintenance Schedule | | |
October 2026
October 21: Wekiwa Springs State Park Wednesday work hike*
October 24: Little Big Econ State Forest Saturday work hike
October 28: Charles Bronson State Forest Wednesday work hike
Oct. 30 - Nov. 1: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Bull Creek
November 2026
November 4: Seminole State Forest Wednesday work hike
November 11: Seminole State Forest Wednesday work hike
November 13-15: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Prairie Lakes
November 18: Chuluota Wilderness Wednesday work hike
November 21: Little Big Econ State Forest Saturday work hike
December 2026
December 2: Little Big Econ State Forest Wednesday work hike
December 8 -12: Tropical Trekkers Chapter Work Party – Kissimmee Prairie Preserve
December 9: Charles Bronson State Forest Wednesday work hike
December 16: Seminole Ranch CA Wednesday work hike
December 19: Savage Christmas Creek Preserve Saturday work hike
January 2026
January 5: Charles Bronson State Forest Tuesday work hike
January 8 – 10: Indian River Chapter Work Party – Three Lakes
January 23: Indian River Chapter – Tosohatchee Saturday work hike
*Wekiwa Springs State Park requires attendees to be registered volunteers with the Florida State Park system.
| |
Sunflower Season on the St. Johns River
In October, swamp sunflowers put on a colorful show along the St. Johns River between Sanford and Geneva, north of Orlando. Here’s where to hike to photograph them.
| |
|
🌟 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.
| |
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!
| | | |
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
| | |
Roxane Abelow - Incoming 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
Chelsey Stevens
Brandy Withrow
Outreach Committee
Rue Nilson
Stuart Dropkin
Roxane Abelow
Hospitality
Rue Nilson
| | |
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:
-
Media Committee: This team will manage social media, share photos, write articles, and coordinate contributions from others.
-
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 fall. Thank you for your dedication to our community and for taking the time to connect with your leadership team. Have a wonderful season!
| | |
📬 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!
| | | | |
