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.
Next Chapter Meeting:
May 15th, 6:30 @ The Geneva Wilderness Area
Join us for our end of season cook out / chapter meeting at Geneva Wilderness Area!
Few folks talk about seeing fireflies in Florida, but if you know the right places to look, they are easy to find. In fact, our state is home to over 50 different species of fireflies, more than any other state can claim. Usually found in wetter habitats, these enigmatic beetles begin flashing light from their bioluminescent abdomens shortly after the sun sets, and typically only for couple hours after it gets dark.
Palm Bluff Conservation Area is a great spot to search for fireflies in Central Florida, as the property is open 24 hours a day. The remote location and spotty wetlands provide a good habitat for the beetles, far away from the mosquito spraying trucks that keep biting flies to a minimum in the suburbs but also prevent fireflies from establishing a presence.
(Image: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/polkco/2021/06/05/where-to-find-florida-fireflies)
We have finished our chapter's trail maintenance for the 2024-2025 season. Stay tuned for an announcement for our 2025-2026 dates later this year!
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.
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