Florida Trail Association
Central Florida Chapter
Embedded Files
Serving Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties
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.
Our November Meeting will be at Leu Gardens. Guest speaker and details to be announced soon.
Bring a snack to share and join us for an evening of community, stories, and planning for the trail year ahead!
While not obvious at first glance, Rock Springs Run State Reserve was once home to a railroad stop on the historic Sanford – Lake Eustis Railway. Known as Ethel, this pioneer settlement had a store, school, and a post office. Established in the 1860’s, the town started to drift into obscurity by the 1920’s, until remnants of the cemetery were accidentally discovered by a park service volunteer in 2008.
With the help of researchers and volunteers, the park now features a 1.4-mile loop trail with dozens of interpretive signs describing the long-gone community and people who lived there. The trail follows wide access roads for the most part, passing the cemetery and picnic benches along the way.
October 29th @ Little Big Econ State Forest
Join the FTA Central Florida Chapter for a trail work day in Little-Big Econ State Forest @ Barr Street.
What to expect: We will use a combination of power equipment and hand tools to bring the trail back up to standard. We will: mow, lop (trim) branches, paint new blazes and at times, inspect or repair infrastructure.
We're excited to announce the opening of our limited-time
Pop-Up Store! This is your chance to preorder exclusive chapter shirts, tanks, and our first-ever VolunTour design featuring 'Savage Christmas Creek'. Orders must be placed by October 31st!
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.
Page updated
Report abuse