Florida Trail Association

Central Florida Chapter

THE FOOTPATH NEWSLETTER

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.

FLORIDATRAIL.ORG

January 2024

A Happy New Year to all!

Our winter has been more rainy than average so far, owing to an El Niño weather pattern that may keep the trails a bit soggy through the month of January. Good thing the bulk of trail maintenance in Central Florida has wrapped up for the year!

For folks who aren't ready to get their feet wet on a flooded trail, it can be tricky to find a dry spot to take a hike. Sandhill and scrub habitats are typically a good bet because of their loose sandy soils drain quickly, but even then they aren't guaranteed to be dry. While some areas like swamps are obviously wet after a storm, a pine flatwoods forest will typically hold water after heavy rains as well.

With the right pair of shoes, a day hike on a soggy trail can be a fun way to explore the natural changes in Florida's ecosystems, and the cool water can be quite refreshing on a warm day. Some find it easier to "rip the band-aid off" and trudge through the first big puddle on the trail rather than trying to tiptoe around it. Either way, the water will eventually find its way to the aquifer, atmosphere, and sea, leaving the trails a bit drier at least until the rainy season returns in late May.

Happy Hiking!

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Chapter Operating Procedures

A Seasonal Hikers' Get-Together!

Thanks to all who joined us at the 2023 Seasonal Hikers' Get-together this year! A smorgasbord of food was provided for the potluck, and a festive time was had by all. Backpacking meals were offered to those who attended, and some folks went home with sweet additions to their hiking gear!

Billy Goat Day 2024

Hosted by FTthruHike and their dedicated volunteers, the 2024 annual Billy Goat Day takes place on January 27th at Lake Mills Park in Chuluota. The event started as a celebration of Billy Goat, who has hiked over 50,000 miles of long distance trails since retiring. Over time, it has grown into a large gathering that takes place each year in Central Florida, where hikers who started at kickoff begin to arrive in the area.

Join us as a cheerful assembly of Florida Trail thru-hikers, section hikers, volunteers, and hiking enthusiasts convene for a cookout and potluck lunch under the palms, pines, and oaks of Lake Mills Park.

Learn More!

Hiking Lyonia Preserve

Florida’s best place to see a Florida scrub-jay up close is Lyonia Preserve, with 2.1 miles of loops through the highest ground in Volusia County.

Take a Hike!

Chapter Events

Monthly Chapter Meeting

Our monthly meetings return to Leu Gardens on January 18th. Vicki Green will be showing pictures of Yellowstone and telling stories about America’s first National Park. She has been in Orlando since 1986 and a member of the FTA since 2017. She is fully retired and works part time at Yellowstone National Park when she is not here in FL.

Meetup

Activities

Trail Maintenance

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!

Visit our Meetup Page!

Brush Mower Donation Drive

The FTA Central Florida Chapter is asking for donations for a new DR brush mower for the 2024 trail maintenance season.

The Chapter currently has 3 DR brush mowers in the shed. The chapter purchased the mowers in 2014, 2016 and 2020. The 2014 model has a chain driven transmission which is outdated and expensive to repair. The 2 newer mowers have direct drive transmissions that are more reliable.

The 2014 mower is in fair condition. The chapter will donate the 2014 mower to another FTA chapter that has a need.

The cost of a new DR brush mower is $2500. Currently, the chapter has received $1000 of the $2500 needed. (thank you to the anonymous cash donations at the last chapter meeting). The Florida Trail Association is a 501c (3) non profit organization so your donation is tax deductible. However, we do not have a dedicated chapter phone number so can only accept cash or check donations. There are many ways to donate: at the chapter monthly meetings, in person at the trail work days or by mail to the chapter treasurer. Please contact the chapter via email to inquire where to send a check: cfchapter@floridatrail.org

The FTA Central Florida chapter is fortunate to have so many members and volunteers who support the various trail maintenance and hiking events in the area. The success of the Florida National Scenic Trail as a premier hiking trail in the USA is only possible by the contributions of the members and volunteers every year.

Jerry Rogers

FTA Central Florida Chapter

Trail Coordinator.

Highlighted Hike of the Month:

Little Big Econ State Forest, Culpepper Bend

Stretching out into the open grassy expanse of the St. John’s River floodplain, the Culpepper Bend trail traces alongside dark, tannic waters of the Econlockhatchee river on tall sandy bluffs. Developed by volunteers from the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, this pathway was added alongside a batch of trails that removed over ten miles of roadwalk from the Florida Trail.

Starting at a trailhead near the end of a 3.5 mile drive down Brumley Road in Chuluota, the route begins with a trek along a service road for 1.4 miles before reaching the white blazed River Trail. Turning northward, the River Trail passes through a densely shaded cabbage palm hammock before reaching the Econ River. The yellow blazes of the Culpepper Bend trail begin along high banks of the winding waterway, heading eastward towards the St. John’s River.

Descending into the floodplain, the bluffs gradually decrease in size until the trail is at the water’s edge along a spectacularly scenic bend. From this point, the trail historically continued around the next bend to a large pavilion on the river, but the structure was removed a few years ago. Depending on the water levels of the St. John’s, folks can explore further into the floodplain, or follow an equestrian trail through an oak hammock to the service road, then back to the trailhead.

Hunting is allowed on certain dates in this part of the forest, please check the FWC website prior to exploring the area. There will be no hunt dates for January and February in 2024, but Spring Turkey season starts March 9th.

Exclusive Future Activities

Explore activities not posted on our Meetup Site

2024 Thanksgiving Campout

We are thrilled to announce that a decision has been made for our 2024 Thanksgiving Campout destination, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience as we head to the breathtaking Paynes Prairie State Park!

Event Details:

Location: Paynes Prairie State Park
Date: Thanksgiving Weekend 2024
Reservation Period: Opens 11 months in advance]

Nestled in the heart of natural beauty, Paynes Prairie State Park offers a unique blend of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities for all ages. From scenic trails to picturesque camping spots, this is the perfect setting for our Thanksgiving celebration among nature.

Make Reservations

2024 WINTER HIKE WEDNESDAY

& THURSDAY PADDLE SERIES

This will be the 30th year the Central Florida Chapter has scheduled the Winter Wednesday Hike Series with hikes each week during January, February & March. This year most of the twelve day-hikes will take place along the Western Corridor of the FLORIDA NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL.

The series will begin in the Ocala National Forest, progress south to the Green Swamp Wilderness Area and finish with the last three hikes in the Orlando area. All the hikes are on the FT and are approximately 8 miles out & back with shorter options available.

Also, on Thursday of each week there will be a paddle trip nearby on one of Central Florida’s many beautiful rivers.

There is joy in doing things with a group so consider joining this mid-week group for one or all of the scheduled hikes and paddles trips.

These activities will not be posted on Meetup.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -

Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626

WEDNESDAY HIKES - 9:30 AM

Jan. 10 /9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 1 -Ocala NF/ Western Corridor

- CR 316 to FR 09 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Jan. 17/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 2 - Ocala NF/ Western Corridor

-Eaton TH to CR 314 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Jan. 24/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 3 - Ocala NF/ Western Corridor

- SR 40 to CR 145 & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Jan. 31/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 4 - Withlacoochee SF/Croom

- Croom River Trail out & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Feb. 7/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 5 - Withlacoochee SF/Richloam

- Fire tower to Lacoochee Grade & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Feb. 14/9:30 AM - 4 Winter Wednesday Hike 6 - Withlacoochee SF/Croom

- Hog Island Trail to Iron Bridge/back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Feb. 21/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 7 - Withlacoochee SF/Richloam

- Richloam River Trail out & back. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

Feb. 28/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 8 - Withlacoochee River Park

- River Trail loop in the county park. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

March 6 /9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 9 - Green Swamp West Wilderness Area

- River Road entrance gate. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

March 13/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 10 - Seminole State Forest

- The Florida Trail and Blueberry Trail. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

March 20/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 11 - CH Bronson State Forest

- Culpepper River Trail. 8 mile hike with shorter options.

March 27/9:30 AM - Winter Wednesday Hike 12 - Wekiwa Springs State Park

-Loop Trail 8 mile hike with shorter options &“End-of-Series” Picnic.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -

Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626

THURSDAY PADDLES - 9:00 AM

Jan. 11, 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 1 - Ocklawaha River

- Rodman Dam to SR 19 bridge

Jan. 18/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 2 - Ocklawaha River

- Gore’s Landing to Eureka West Landing

Jan. 25/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 3 - Silver River

- Silver Springs State Park launch to Ray’s Landing

Feb. 1/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 4 - Withlacoochee River

- Nobleton City Park launch to SR 48

Feb. 8/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 5 - Withlacoochee River

- SR 98 County Park launch to River Junction

Feb. 15/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 6 - Withlocoochee River

- River Junction launch to Hog Island

Feb. 22/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 7 - Withlacoochee River

- Lacoochee launch to SR 98 bridge

Feb. 29/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 8 - Hillsborough River

- Sergeants launch to Trout Creek ramp

Mar. 8/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 9 - Alafia River

- Alderman’s Ford launch to Lithia Springs

Mar. 15/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 10 - Blackwater Creek

- Sand Road bridge launch to Iron bridge & back

Mar. 22/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 11 - Econlockhatchee River

- CR 419 bridge to Snowhill Road bridge.

Mar. 27/ 9:00 AM - Winter Thursday Paddle 12 - Rock Springs Run

- Kelly Park launch to Wekiva Springs State Park

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the leader -

Rachael Augspurg lourayfl@mac.com or text 352-552-0626

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

Florida Trail

1022 NW 2nd Street

Gainesville, FL 32601

FTA Email - fta@floridatrail.org

Chapter Email - cfchapter@floridatrail.org

Call FTA - (352) 378-8823