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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.
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Central Florida Chapter Update | |
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February is often associated with love—whether it’s celebrating with a partner, cherishing time with family and friends, or embracing a passion for something greater. For me, it’s a time to reflect on the love we share for the Florida Trail and the community that makes it so special.
There’s something about walking a trail with a loved one—whether it’s a romantic partner, a lifelong friend, a child seeing the wonders of nature for the first time, or even a solo hike where you reconnect with yourself. Love for the outdoors is what unites us, and sharing it makes the experience even more meaningful.
This month, I encourage you to bring someone along on a hike, whether it’s your significant other, a friend who’s never been on the Florida Trail, or a family member who could use a little fresh air. Introduce them to a favorite stretch of trail, take them to a scenic overlook, or just enjoy the quiet company of nature together. If hiking solo is more your style, consider taking the time to reconnect with why you love the trail—the sounds of the wind through the trees, the rhythm of your steps, the beauty of Florida’s landscapes.
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Welcoming Stephanie Ochoa to Our Chapter Team
Speaking of love for the outdoors, I’m excited to introduce Stephanie Ochoa, a new Next Gen Coalition leader who will be assisting with our chapter’s social media. Stephanie, who is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, has explored Florida’s diverse landscapes and is passionate about helping others feel welcome on the trail. She believes that everyone has a place in outdoor recreation and is dedicated to educating Floridians on how to appreciate and interact responsibly with nature.
Stephanie will be working to expand our outreach and engagement on social media, helping us connect with more hikers, volunteers, and trail enthusiasts. If you see new posts highlighting our chapter’s activities, trail maintenance efforts, or upcoming events, you’ll know she’s helping bring our stories to a wider audience! You can learn more about the Next Gen Coalition here.
Let’s Celebrate What We Love
Whether you’re hitting the trail solo, with a partner, or in the company of our growing trail community, I hope you take a moment this month to appreciate the connections we build through hiking and conservation. The Florida Trail is more than just a path—it’s a place where we find adventure, companionship, and a deeper love for the natural world.
See you on the trail!
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Jim Peterson, St. Johns Water Management District
📅 February 20th
🕡 6:30 PM – Social Time | 7:00 PM – Presentation Begins
📍 Leu Gardens - Magnolia Room
Join us for our monthly meeting at Leu Gardens! We’ll kick off with some social time at 6:30 PM—feel free to bring a snack to share. The presentation will begin at 7:00 PM.
Jim Peterson with the St. Johns River Water Management District will be our guest speaker for February. He will be providing a presentation about restoration efforts at Lake Apopka and the ecotourism opportunities in the area, including the network of trails that make the lake a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Don’t forget to participate in our popular 1/2 back raffle for a chance to win!
📌 Details & RSVP: Sign up on Meetup
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Highlighted Hike of the Month! | |
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Taylor Creek Loop, Tosohatchee WMA
Nestled in the southeastern corner Orange County, a quaint loop trail ventures through primordial forests of the St. Johns River floodplain. Part of the Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area trail system, the Taylor Creek Loop was once a segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Over a dozen years ago, a large portion of the Florida Trail was moved off private land and rerouted along a notorious 30+ mile roadwalk. Rather than completely abandoning the scenic route at Taylor Creek, the orange blazes were painted white, and the trail was made into a loop.
While the northern portion of Tosohatchee requires an entrance fee, this lone portion of the forest is free if you can find the trailhead along the high-speed traffic of SR 520. The parking area is accessed through a tall gate designed to protect wildlife, and a sign beyond the fence indicates the start of the trail. Walking the loop in a clockwise direction, pine forest quickly transitions to a deeply shaded palm and oak hammock where many trunks and branches are completely covered in air plants, resurrection ferns, and native orchids.
Near the halfway point, a picnic bench is all that remains of what was once a designated campsite along the FNST. A spur trail leads southward from the picnic area towards a beauty spot among the cypress trees surrounding Taylor Creek. Be careful following the trail markers along the spur, as they diverge at a confusing spot near a pair of double blazes. A quick search for trail maps should find one that can help navigate the correct route.
Continuing past the picnic bench on the loop trail, the path quickly emerges from the hammock into an open pine flatwoods community, where the rest of the trail follows a wide grassy access road back to the trailhead.
As a Wildlife Management Area, Tosohatchee provides certain dates for hunting. The Taylor Creek Loop section is open to hunting from January 10th-16th, and February 7th-13th, 2025. Hiking should be avoided during these dates.
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Chuluota Wilderness Area and the Bronson State Forest: A Tranquil Jungle in Our Backyard
By Rob Rogers
In my quest to get acquainted with more sections of the Florida Trail in Central Florida, I celebrated New Year’s Day by spending 24 hours backpacking on the Florida Trail in the Chuluota Wilderness Area and the Bronson State Forest. Having finally met the Little Big Econ Forest one week earlier, I looked forward to the relative desolation of this less crowded stretch of the Central Florida wilderness, and I found what I was looking for.
Deriving its name from a Native American word thought to mean “island of yellow flowers,” the Chuluota Wilderness Area is a 625-acre park containing two loop trails spanning nearly three miles each with a two-mile portion of the Florida Trail running between them. Lying directly southeast is the Bronson State Forest, established in 2008 after having been historically used for grazing cattle and harvesting turpentine, which siis closer to the St. John’s River and is crossed by four creeks that drain into it. I was lucky enough to hike on all but the southeastern most 2 ½ miles of the Florida Trail’s seven-mile section in that forest, after beginning my 6 ½ mile hike in from the northwestern corner of the Chuluota Wilderness Area and then nesting for the night at Fern Camp.
From the moment I left the parking area at the Chuluota Wilderness Area to the moment I arrived at Fern Camp, I was immersed in a quiet, kaleidoscopic fantasy land of natural Central Florida forest and swamp and prairie, traveling back through time through ecosystems that seemed to change more quickly than I could note. I began by hiking thorough a forest of young sand pines and rosemary scrub in the Chuluota Wilderness Area, where tall skinny trees and chest high shrubs crowded the stiff white sand trail and provided broad views in all directions. Within a mile, I was pulled into a twisting tunnel of thicker scrub oaks and hickory, where the sky above became less visible and limbs crowded the trail as I slowly descended toward the boggy lowland.
Less than 2 miles into my hike, I began meeting tannic creeks, where boardwalks and stumps maintained by the FTA helped me cross a cozy expanse of rust-colored marsh. I soon reached the final stretch of the Florida Trail in the Chuluota Wilderness Area, which eventually led to a forest road flooded so deeply that a broad planked boardwalk required passage before the trail resumed on a roadbank running between the road and a barbed wire fence. At a curve in the road, I reached the Wilderness Area’s border with the Bronson State Forest, where a covered bench stands beside the opening of the fence into the state forest.
From here, the Florida Trail slowly rose through a much more desolate forest, first through a grassy swamp of skinny pond pines, then rising and descending again through a hardwood forest of thicker oak and pine and the marshy floodplains of Buschombe Creek and Joshua Creek. Halfway through my hike I passed the head of the connector trail to the popular Joshua Creek campsite.
From there I climbed through a palmetto savannah, then into a gorgeous pine savanna, where tall longleaf pines towered over prairie grasses and huge palmettos that often rose higher than my head. Eventually I met the open sky again in low-rolling sandhills covered by turkey oaks, where I passed a family with young children learning to hike. Eventually I reached the last stretch of my hike, where I slowly descended into a dense palm hammock, crossing a pretty bridge at Christmas Creek, then wound through a dense forest of cypress, cabbage palm, and palmetto, where the trail surface turned to compact dark mud frequently rooted by hogs.
Eventually I reached my home for the night, the broad clearing of Fern Camp, where the sturdy picnic table and fire ring sitting on a gravel bed is embraced by a circular wall of majestic lichen and fern-covered live oaks interspersed with the tall, thick longleaf pines I adore. Fern Camp is a gem—Nestled far from city noises where you can sleep beside the forest, you are able to gaze at night through the opening in the tree tops at a panorama of stars. I was serenaded throughout the night by owls and packs of
coyotes that often did not sound so distant.
Incredibly, this oasis of solitude lies close to the hustle and bustle of State Road 50 not far east of Orlando, and less than 15 miles south of the more visited stretch of the Florida Trail in the Little Big Econ State Forest. It’s worth a trip for any weekend warriors like me.
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Rob Rogers is the author of Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida. He also writes a blog called the “Central Florida Backpacking Desk Jockey” (http://backpackingdeskjockey.blog).
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Discovering exciting events has never been easier! Our engaging activities and Trail Maintenance events are posted and shared exclusively on Meetup.
Due to their overwhelming popularity, spots fill up swiftly. To ensure you never miss out on the latest updates and happenings, we kindly request all members to join our Meetup community. Stay informed and be part of the fun!
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Spring-To-Spring Trail Ride
By Stuart Dropkin
The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association sponsored a Bike Ride on February 1st. We followed the Spring-To-Spring and the Cross Florida Bike Trails from Lake Monroe Park in Debary to the Osteen Diner in Osteen, a 13 mile trip one way.
There were 14 participants on this ride, which was fewer than the 24 that signed up, and 10 people on the wait list that were invited to participate.
The Bike Ride commenced shortly after 10 am under overcast skies and a cool temperatures. The return bike ride to Lake Monroe Park occurred under more sunny conditions. All thoroughly enjoyed the experience. One other member of the Florida Trail Association was participating, Mary-Slater Linn.
We have another Bike Ride scheduled for Saturday, February 8, starting at the same location, Lake Monroe Park, but the final destination is to Blue Springs State Park, 10 miles one way. Hopefully, we will be able to witness a population of manatees!
Bike Ride to see the Manatees - Saturday,February 8 @10:00 AM
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Backpack Trip, Withlacoochee State Forest, Richloam Tract
Come join us for a weekend backpacking trip in the Withlacoochee State Forest, Richloam Tract, a beautiful primitive area about 50 miles west of Orlando on Highway 50 near Richloam, FL.
The plan is to meet at the fire tower at 9:00 AM (look for my 2021 Ford F150, bright red). Then we will backpack the southern loop of blue, yellow and orange (FT) trails clockwise, camping on Saturday night at the High Bluff Campsite, total of 9.1 miles. There is surface water available (treatment required), and we can hike to the Baby Grand Canyon scenic view.
On Sunday we will continue around the loop returning back at the parking area, total of 5.9 miles. We will have up to 12 participants, FTA members and guests.
Saturday and Sunday, February 15th and 16th @ 9:00AM
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Backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest
Come join us for a weekend backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest, through Hopkins Prairie, adjacent to Lake Kerr, up to the Store 88 (a popular resupply point for through-hikers).
The total distance will be around 18 miles. If you want to participate, call or email Bill Turman to reserve a space.
We will meet on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM where the Florida Trail crosses FR 46 (old 10), and then shuttle cars to the trailhead parking lot at CR 316.
On Saturday, we will backpack
North on the Florida Trail through Hopkins Prairie, cross FR 54 (old 90), continue past the blue blaze trail to Salt Springs, and continue until we find a good campsite along the trail, total of 10 or 11 miles. There are no water sources where we will camp, so we need to carry all of our
water or cache water at CR 314.
On Sunday, we will continue north on the Florida Trail
adjacent to Lake Kerr up to Store 88 and our parking area and our cars, which is 5 or 6 miles.
Saturday and Sunday , March 15th and 16th @10:00 AM
Bill Turman (Cell) 407-413-2950 (email) HokieBill@bellsouth.net
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Life is Better with a Campfire
Join Fla Trail for a evening around the campfire at Seminole State Forest. Bring your marshmallows, choc bars, graham crackers and a folding chair that you can carry. Meet in the parking lot of Seminole State Forest (south side) at the Bear Pond trailhead located north of State Road 46, approximately 5 miles west of Interstate 4. From there we will walk .8 of a mile on the trail to primitive shelter#8 that has been reserved.
We will have a big fire and share stories (scary, funny or otherwise entertaining). Bring your family as kids are welcome. If you are a camper, you can stay in the primitive shelter which is a 3 sided building with a raised floor and sleeps 10. So, find your flashlights, think of some good stories and join Fl Trail Assoc for a winter night in the woods. Cost: $2.00 iron ranger fee and $2.00 per person paid at event for the campsite reservation.
Together with other adjacent public and private lands, the forest provides a vital wildlife corridor between the Wekiva Basin and the Ocala National Forest. This corridor has a rich abundance of wildlife including the Florida black bear. The state forest provides habitat for one of the largest populations of the threatened Florida Scrub-jay.
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Bunkhouse Camp Seminole State Forest
Come join us for a relaxing weekend at the Bunkhouse Camp, located in the Seminole State Forest. The plan is to meet up as a group on Friday afternoon at 4:00 at the Bear Pond parking lot (look for my 2021 Ford F150, bright red). Then we determine which vehicles will enter through the gate and drive the dirt roads into the forest to the camp, as we are limited in the number of vehicles that can enter.
We will set up at the camp and have dinner on Friday evening, followed by a campfire. On Saturday we can decide what we want to do, Blackwater Creek is a great paddling location, there are some great hikes in the forest, bicycling the numerous forest roads is fun, or you can just lounge around. Same goes on Sunday, but we will need to be packed up as check out is at 1:00. We can have up to 20 participants, FTA members and guests only, but there are only 6 bunks in the bunkhouse, so others will need to tent camp. This site is primitive, no water (need to bring), there is primitive privy.
If you are interested, contact me, Bill Turman, 407-413-2950 for sign up. This trip will not be advertised on meetup, unless there is a small number of Members who sign-up.
More logistics to follow, such as group meals, as we get closer to the activity.
Should be a Great Weekend!
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Our chapter has some fantastic outreach events lined up in February, March, and April, and we’d love your help in connecting with the community! These events give us the opportunity to introduce new people to the Florida Trail, share our mission, and inspire others to get outside.
If you’re available to volunteer at any of these events, please let me or Doug know—even an hour or two of your time makes a big impact!
Upcoming Outreach Events
📅 Seminole County Gardening Expo
🗓 Saturday, February 22 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County
🌿 This is a great event for gardening enthusiasts! We’ll be talking about native plants, conservation, and the Florida Trail.
📅 Orlando Wetlands Festival
🗓 Saturday, February 22 | 🕘 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Orlando Wetlands Park
🌾 A fun, educational event focused on Florida’s wetlands, wildlife, and ecosystems. A perfect place to connect with people who love wild Florida!
📅 Sweetwater Oaks Garden Fair
🗓 Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 260 Wekiva Springs Road, Longwood
🌸 A two-day event featuring plants, garden supplies, and environmental organizations. A great place to introduce people to the Florida Trail and inspire them to explore!
📅 Love Your Mother Earth Day Festival
🗓 Saturday, April 12 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Downtown Sanford
🌍 Hosted by Deviant Wolfe Brewing, this festival celebrates Earth Day with environmental nonprofits, live music, food trucks, and kids' activities. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community and spread awareness about the Florida Trail.
Sign Up for Our Volunteer List!
If you're interested in participating and receiving updates about future Outreach events, please forward your name and email address to
Rue Nilson at rumagoo@embarqmail.com and Doug Kucklick at dkucklick@cfl.rr.com
Let's come together to create meaningful change and build a brighter, more sustainable future for all!
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Central Florida Chapter Activity Leaders
Bill Turman, Activity Coordinator
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I want to congratulate those Members who have completed their certification to become FTA Activity Leaders over the past several months:
- Jim Krell – August 24
- David Magness – October 24
- Stuart Dropkin – November 24
- Elda Larche – January 25
Thank you for your efforts to strengthen the FTA!
One of the most important areas of the FTA and the Central Florida Chapter are the on-going stream of enjoyable and exciting Activities. These give our members the opportunities to experience and hopefully learn from the outdoors, whether hiking, backpacking, kayaking, cycling or a multitude of other activities.
Participation in these activities also allows our guests to experience the FTA, get to know our members, enjoy themselves and hopefully this will result in them joining the FTA. This is only possible through the dedicated work of our FTA Activity Leaders. Our current group of approved Activity Leaders are as follows:
Certified FTA Activity Leaders:
- Rachael Augspurg
- Mary Slater Linn
- Ron Aube
- Tom Regan
- Jerry Rogers
- Kelley Galvin
- Chelsey Stevens
- Joan Jarvis
- Erica Johnson
- Steve Grieger
- Russ Klette
- Judy Minter
- Bill Turman
- Chris Stevens
- Jim Krell
- Jackie Warren
- David Magness
- Stuart Dropkin
- Elda Larche
In-Process:
- Jeanne Panciera (In-Training, 1 of 2 Co-Led)
- Kristen Gilbert (In-Training, 1 of 2 Co-Led)
- Ned James (2 of 2 Co-Led, process)
Being an Activity Leader is an excellent way to get involved, conduct exciting activities (whether a couple hour hike or a multi-day expedition), meet a lot of great people, while expounding the value and benefits of the Florida Trail Association. We really need you to step up and get involved.
If you would like to become a Certified FTA Activity Leader (AL), please contact me Bill Turman, 407-413-2950 or HokieBill@bellsouth.net , as well as any or our Activity Leaders. We will work to get the process started. To become an AL, you will need to co-lead two activities, working with and learning from two different current Activity Leaders. We also hold training sessions from time to time to allow you to build upon your initial training.
Looking forward to growing the list of Certified FTA Activity Leaders, with hopefully including your name.
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Florida Trail Association
Activity Leader Training
If you are currently an Activity Leader or would like to become an Activity Leader in the future, this is a great opportunity to review the requirements and the skill set necessary to be a highly effective Activity Leader.
Saturday May 3rd @ 9:00AM - 1:00PM @ Florida Forestry Little Big Econ State Forest Office
Contact Bill Turman for more information: 407-413-2950
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Ferndale Preserve
On Lake Apopka’s western shore, Ferndale Preserve offers amazing panoramas of Florida’s fourth largest lake, along with serious elevation changes on its four miles of multi-use trails.
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The Florida Trail Fest is an annual event celebrating the Florida Trail Community, held at the approximate halfway point for thru hikers who started at kick-off in January. This year’s event takes place on February 7th-9th, 2025 at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, in White Springs. Admission is free.
Florida Trail Fest 2025 Festivities will begin on Friday at 5 pm. and end Sunday before noon. Be sure to check out the Florida Trail Association tent for information on a planned day hike Sunday!
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31st Annual 2025 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 will be 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
Feb. 5, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 5
Withlacoochee SF/ Croom Loop A
Feb. 12, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 6
Withlacoochee SF/ Citrus South Loop C
Feb. 18, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 7
FWC/ Chinsegut Conservation Area - FT
Feb. 26, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 8
Withlacoochee SF/ Citrus A Loop
Mar. 5, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 9
Rice Creek Conservation Area/Florida Trail
Mar. 12, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 10
Caravelle Ranch WMA
Mar. 19, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 11
Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Mar. 26, 9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 12
ONF-St. Francis Trail
THURSDAY PADDLES - Start at 9:00 AM
Feb. 6, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 5
Withlacoochee River
Feb. 13, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 6
Chasshowitzka River
Feb. 20, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 7
Withlacoochee River
Feb. 27, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 8
Rainbow River
Mar. 6, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 9
Ocklawaha River
Mar. 13, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 10
Deep Creek to St Johns River
Mar. 20, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 11
Spruce Creek
Mar. 27, 9:00 AM - Thursday Paddle 12
St Francis Dead River
For additional details, including exact locations, times, and preparations,
please contact the hike leader, Rachael Augspurg,
at lourayfl@mac.com or by text at 352-552-0626.
We look forward to having you join us for these wonderful outdoor adventures!
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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 Maintenance Coordinator
Stephen Grieger - Membership Coordinator
Kelley Galvin - Treasurer
Doug Kucklick - Outreach Coordinator
Chris Stevens - Media Coordinator
Vacant - Secretary
Bill Turman - Activity Coordinator
David Magness - Program Coordinator
Media Committee
Rob Rogers
Stephanie Ochoa
Outreach Committee
Rue Nilson
Stuart Dropkin
Roxane Abelow
Hospitality
Rue Nilson
Jean Williamson
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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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Our dedicated Technical Advisors and North Florida Regional Manager, who oversees critical infrastructure projects, rely on a reliable vehicle to efficiently serve our community. Unfortunately, their current truck is outdated and in dire need of replacement. This aging vehicle, as you can see in the photo, lacks essential features like four-wheel drive and air conditioning, making it difficult to navigate challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, the truck's numerous mechanical issues, including faulty toolboxes, require constant maintenance and repairs, draining valuable resources. To ensure our team can continue to provide top-notch service, we aim to raise $70,000 to purchase a new, reliable vehicle. Your generous donation will directly contribute to this vital purchase, enabling our team to efficiently respond to emergencies, conduct site visits, and deliver essential services to our community. | | | | |
