Florida Trail Association
Central Florida Chapter
Serving Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties
The Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association was chartered in 1981 and is one of FTA’s largest chapters with more than 500 members. We maintain over 60 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail, along with trails in Wekiwa Springs State Park, and Little Big Econ and Charles Bronson State Forests.
Our active members lead and participate in many hiking, biking, paddling, camping and trail maintenance activities. Each Thanksgiving we have a group camping event at a state park or forest and each New Years we “retreat” to the Ocala National Forest for a fun-filled camp out and celebration.
Next Chapter Meeting:
January 16th, 6:30 @ Leu Gardens
We will return to Leu Gardens for our January meeting.
Rob Rodgers will be our guest speaker. After losing over 100 pounds, lawyer Rob Rogers turned to backpacking to cope with severe depression.
Exploring parks like Lake Louisa, Lake Kissimmee, and the Green Swamp, he found healing and a deep connection to nature. Rob shares his journey of overcoming personal struggles through solo backpacking adventures.
Locally famous as an extremely popular swimming area during our hot, humid summers, Wekiwa Springs State Park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, maintained yearly by the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail.
The trail system offers hikes ranging from under a mile, exploring boardwalks near the springhead to an all-day adventure along the 13.5-mile white Hiking Trail loop.
January 18th @ Tosohatchee WMA
Join the Central Florida and the Indian River Chapters for a work weekend in Tosohatchee.
Tosohatchee WMA is a beautiful section of trail showcasing a variety of landscapes. Guaranteed to have some of the best sunsets on the Florida Trail.
Bring a day pack, sturdy boots, and appropriate clothing. Long pants are required to do trail work and long-sleeved shirts are recommended. Sunscreen and bug spray are also advised.
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.