What we’re about
June 4th, 2021
This group is operated by the Florida Trail Association.
We are a community who love to get outdoors to hike, backpack, paddle, and give back by way of volunteer trail maintenance.
Joining this Meetup does not constitute membership in the FTA and unless specifically mentioned, you are not required to hold an FTA membership to participate. Events which are FTA Members Only will be clearly indicated.
The Suncoast Chapter serves over 500 FTA members in Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. We maintain The Florida National Scenic Trail between US 98 north of Lakeland and Hernando. Find out more about the FTA Suncoast chapter at https://sites.google.com/floridatrail.org/suncoastfta/.
Within these boundaries we also maintain a section of the Florida Trail Western Corridor which encompasses the Citrus, Croom, Richloam Tracts within Withlacoochee State Forest, and Green Swamp West, as well as popular loop trails within these tracts.
https://floridatrail.org/maps-and-databook/
Trail systems that we also are responsible for include Hillsborough River State Park, Little Manatee State Park, Myakka River State Park, Potts Preserve, Upper Hillsborough WMA, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, and Withlacoochee River Park.
Our chapter regularly maintains over 200 miles of trail and offers recreational and volunteer work events throughout the region.
We work in cooperation with the US Forest Service, State Forest Service, SWFWMD, DEP, and other land managers to keep the Florida National Scenic Trail, the Western Corridor, and designated side trails open for recreational use.
We sponsor many events on non FTA designated land tracts, trail systems and waterways.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Certain risks are inherent in any Florida Trail Association, Inc (the "Association") activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety, and the safety of minors accompanying such persons.
The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participants on hikes or activities. In participating in Association activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the Activity Leader(s) and the Association, its officers, directors, and members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities. Neither the Association, Activity Leaders, nor landowners are in any way liable for any injury or illness I might sustain from participating in an Association activity.
By joining the Suncoast Chapter Meetup Group you are agreeing to the assumption of risk as stated above.
JOIN THE FLORIDA TRAIL ASSOCIATION
http://www.floridatrail.org/make-a-differen...
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CROOM 3-DAY BACKPACKNG, YAY! - December 6-8 (Limit 18 Pre-Screened)Withlacoochee State Forest - Tucker Hill Day Use Area, Brooksville, FL
CALLING ALL INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED BACKPACKERS:
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: This trip is limited to 20 total. If you RSVP, you will have to answer a screening question and you will be placed on the waiting list. Activity leaders will screen the waitlist in order of joining and move you to the "Going" list assuming you clear screening. Though not required, preference may be given to dues-paying members of the Florida Trail Association. You can join the FTA at Contribute – Florida Trail Association. Please read the rest of the material below!
WHAT: 3 days and 2 nights of backpacking and primitive camping in the Croom Tract in Withlacoochee State Forest. 26 miles total hiking. There will be cached water at each campsite and, if the camping gods should find us worthy, perhaps some trail magic. It will be small-game hunting season in the forest, bring something orange to wear:
DAY 1 - 10 miles counter-clockwise on the B-C, B and A-B loops to Primitive Camp Zone West.
DAY 2 - 9 miles from PCZ West on the B and C loops to the Primitive Camp Zone East.
DAY 3 - 7 miles on the A loop back to trailhead.
WHEN: Friday, December 6, 2024, at 8AM SHARP. Park and meet at the Tucker Hill Day Use Area. Pack and gear checks, orientation and how ya doin's, then hit the trail at 8:30AM. To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be left behind. You will need to purchase 3-days of day use parking at https://floridastateforests.reserveamerica.com/posProductDetails.do?id=5601&contractCode=FLFS
WHO: You have some experience doing a fully self-supported overnight backpacking trip and you have the necessary gear and know how to use it. Necessary gear means, shelter, food, water, cooking, backcountry hygiene (you've purposely pooped in the woods...responsibly), rain protection, sleep gear and clothes for all weather conditions.
WARNINGS: Honestly assess your skill level, gear and fitness for this trip. Though rescue is possible, the shame will be long-lasting. Wear something orange, it's hunting season in the forest. Hunting is not permitted near trails, but, well, you know the locals... Weather can be unpredictable, from hot to cold, dry to wet and nights can get downright chilly. Sleeping cold all night is no fun. You must sign an assumption of risk at the orientation.
