What we’re about
We are the North Florida Trailblazers, the local chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA). Our main purpose is to build and maintain sections of the Florida Trail (FT) in our chapter's area. Sections are located in the Osceola National Forest, along the Suwannee River near White Springs, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and Camp Blanding. When we are not working on the FT, we organize day hikes, backpacking, paddling, and other outdoor activities. We have chapter meetings, social events and other activities to promote hiking. We are using Meetup to reach people interested in hiking.
The FT, a 1300 mile trail that runs the length of Florida, is part of the National Scenic Trails system (includes the AT and the Continental Divide, for example). The FT is developed, maintained, protected and promoted by the FTA and its public and private partners.
Check out this short video to learn more about the FT: Explore the Florida Trail - YouTube
We are not a social networking or dating group. We are here to support and maintain the FT and to promote hiking in general. But if you enjoy hiking and outdoors activities, you will certainly meet people with shared interests. Advertising to or within the group is not allowed.
RSVPs are important so that we may properly plan for you and for the group. If your ability to attend changes, please change your RSVP as soon as you know so that your spot can be given to others especially on our limited attendance events. If you have to change your RSVP at the last minute, please message your event leader so that you are not marked as a "No Show." Three No Shows can result in the loss of your membership in the Meetup group.
If you request to join us, please make sure your profile includes your name and a recent photo of yourself so we can recognize you at our events. We do require participants at our events to put their name on our sign-in sheet/liability waiver.
Our members receive many benefits, including automatic membership in a local chapter in your area, which holds its own meetings and activities and sends out a newsletter pertinent to what’s going on in your area; a subscription to the Footprint magazine; trail maintenance training workshops, including chainsaw certification; participation in Volunteer Work Parties, our team-building volunteer trail crews that tackle large projects like building bridges and boardwalks; a window decal and logo patch; opportunity to participate on decision-making committees covering major trail issues; and voting privileges. Memberships start at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family. http://ftashop.floridatrail.org/individual-... <br>
NOTE: Registration on this Meetup does not make you a member of the FTA. Some of our events will be offered only to FTA members. Go to www.floridatrail.org to join the FTA and learn more about our organization.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Wanna Guana? GTM Research Reserve South Trails (purple/red)Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Let’s hike the trails on the south side of GTM Research Reserve (Guana), all the way to the southern tip! We will maintain a moderate pace (about 3 mph) on the purple and red trails for a total of 6-7 miles. These trails are mostly shaded, wide, well maintained, hard-packed sand/dirt with some roots. There is the possibility of a few muddy/flooded areas depending on recent rainfall and/or tide.
Please bring plenty of water. Appropriate well-fitting footwear, insect repellant and sun protection are advised. Trekking poles or walking stick might be helpful if we have to go around watery/muddy areas, but generally this is an easy trail. Bring snacks if you think you’ll need them.
We will meet at the pavilion at the end of the gravel road at 9:15 am to get acquainted and for a pre-walk talk. The hike will start promptly at 9:30 am. We will try to maintain a moderate pace, but allowing for a few breaks, photo opportunities, and possible detours, we should be done by noon, no later than 12:30.
Fee: $3 cash per carload (up to 8 people), pay envelope at entrance. Please come prepared! BRING CASH!!!
Address/Directions:
505 Guana River Road
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
This address will take you to the GTMNERR Visitor Center, but do not turn into the visitor center. You will proceed straight through pay station (after paying!) on Guana River Road, cross over the dam onto a well-maintained gravel road to the parking area there. Just beyond the parking area is a pavilion where we will meet. There is a restroom with flush toilets and sinks there.
Here is a link to Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR, aka “Guana” or “GTM Reserve”) for trail maps, volunteer opportunities, research programs, fees, etc. https://gtmnerr.org/visit/
