What we’re about
The Happy Hoofers chapter of the Florida Trail Association serves Broward county. We are an outdoor adventure and eco volunteering group. Our activities include hiking, backpacking, camping, biking, and paddling events throughout the year ranging from easy to strenuous, local to regional. We focus on outdoor activities in South Florida woodlands and streams. We maintain the Florida National Scenic Trail and loop trails from I-75 to Lake Okeechobee. Our section of trail starts at MM63 on Alligator Alley (I-75) and passes through the northerly portion of Big Cypress National Preserve into the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. We maintain the Seminole section of the Florida Trail and then continue on levees of the South Florida Water Management District through Hendry County to Lake Okeechobee for a total of 65 miles. In Big Cypress National Preserve, loops of 7 and 15 miles just north of Alligator Alley lead hikers into the wilds of the Big Cypress Swamp and provide opportunities for day hiking and backpacking through this wilderness of cypress trees and slash pines. The Florida Trail follows established roads through the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation, and you must be a Florida Trail member and apply for a permit in advance to walk through reservation lands. Hikers pass citrus groves, cattle ranches, and the educational Billie Swamp Safari and Ah-Tha-Tiki museum, devoted to Seminole culture.
Membership on Meetup does not mean you are an FTA member. Please consider joining our state organization at www.floridatrail.org. This will ensure that you receive our local and statewide e-newsletters as well as a quarterly printed Footprint newsletter. There are also certain activities that will only be available to FTA paid members.
Activities are organized by authorized activity leaders. Participants in activities must sign an Assumption of Risk form and agree to accept personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of accompanying minors. Always contact the activity leader in advance for more information, to let them know you are attending, and to find out about any special requirements for a trip.
