
What we’re about
Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association
Welcome to the Sandhill Chapter of the Florida Trail Association's Meetup page!
The Sandhill Chapter is a community of Florida Trail Association members in the following counties: Alachua, Marion, Levy, and Gilchrist. We have activity leaders that plan hikes, provide outdoor skills workshops, trail maintenance, and community events in our region.
To become a member of the Florida Trail Association, please visit https://floridatrail.org/
To read more about our chapter and visit our official social media accounts, please visit this link and scroll to Sandhill Chapter: https://floridatrail.org/our-chapters/
While most events are open to everyone, some events are only available to Florida Trail Association members. We encourage everyone to become members and support the nonprofit responsible for developing, maintaining, protecting, and promoting a network of hiking trails throughout the state.
Meetup is a way for us to advertise our events and strengthen our community.
If you have any questions, please message admins Leo Dugger or Ashley Kusel.
Happy hiking!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Bike Nature Coast State Trail:Fanning Springs to Suwanee River w/picnic&swimNature Coast Trailhead, Fanning Springs, FL
Location: Fanning Springs Trailhead start location: 17441 NW Old Fanning Road, Fanning Springs FL 32693, Please refer to the Bicycling trail etiquette details on the Florida State Parks, Nature Coast State Trail website. www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/nature-coast-state-trail Highlight is the Trestle bridge over Suwanee River.
Time: Sign in-11am. Ride at 11:15am E Bikes welcome. Check email for weather related changes/updates.
Description: This will be a ~ 18-20-mile bicycle ride on the paved flat trail. The ride speed will be 9-13 mph average. HELMET is required to be worn during this ride. Rest stop at Suwanee River Trestle bridge location..
Return to cars and drive to Fanning Springs State Park (18020 NW US 19 Fanning Springs FL)for a picnic and swimming.
Park entrance fee: $6/vehicle up to 8 people, $4 for single occupant vehicle or use your state park pass.
Directions: Please use trailhead location-address given above.
General Information: HYDRATE before the ride. Bring water and snacks per preference. Sunscreen is a good idea. HELMET is required.
Bathrooms: No at Trailhead, yes in SP.
Other amenities: Ride a well maintained multipurpose trail to a cool trestle bridge over the Suwannee.
Dogs allowed: NO
Restricted to: FTA Members over 18 yrs. of age- 20 Seasoned, strong bicycle riders. Be able to ride 18-20 miles at average speed of 9-13 mph on the trail. Bicycles should be in good rideable condition. I recommend that you have your bicycle checked out at a local bicycle shop if you have not ridden your bike within the past week or so. Tire pressure, chain lube, brakes, etc. need attention for safety and riding performance.
Attending the picnic/ swim part of the trip?
Members must have strong, proficient swimming skills if swimming in the 70’s degree spring waters. Bring personal snorkel, mask and fins as desired. Swimsuit, towels, change of clothing and chair/blanket and most important your PICNIC of choice, if attending Fanning Springs SP.Not an FTA member? Join FTA by phone, 877-HIKE-FLA or online at floridatrail.org/join.
- FTA Sandhill Chapter 3rd Annual Meet& Greet, Hike, Bike, Paddle&PotluckPaynes Praire Preserve State Park, Micanopy, FL
Greetings from The FTA - Sandhill Chapter!
Sandhill Chapter invites ALL FTA members to our 3rd Annual Meet and Greet, Hike, Bike, Paddle and Potluck
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park: 100 Savannah Boulevard, Micanopy, Fl 32667
For Camping Reservations: ON YOUR OWN:
Call 1-800-326-3521 or on-line FloridaStateParks.org . Discounts for camping: see details on web.
When/Where: Saturday, 9/13/2025 (8 AM-Sunset) at Cowkeeper Pavilion: ~ 1:00 PM Potluck. Registered FTA members attending- please bring a dish to share for Potluck. Drinking water will be available for refill into your personal containers. We encourage you to bring your own plates and utensils etc.
Sign IN- Saturday morning 8:00 -9 AM on Assumption of Risk forms at Cowkeeper Pavilion. Hiking, (short/medium/nature oriented), Biking (before Potluck) and Paddling (after Potluck) is open to registered participants. Bagels and fruit will be available at sign-in.
Activities:Meet @ 9:00 AM at Cowkeeper Pavilion next to Lake Wauberg boat ramp to join your group for activities, paddle group TBD after the Potluck, mingling, leisure & rest.WHY: To support our Florida Trail Association, Inc. with coordinated efforts of our 19 Chapters. Sandhill Chapter Meet and Greet endeavors to collaborate sharing of activities to support FTA as well highlight the unique flora and the fauna of each of our 19 chapters. FTA “Building More Than Trails”
Registration Form: Click link below for printable copy:
http://floridatrail.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/FTA-Sandhill-Meet-Greet-Registration-Sept.13-2025.docx
All participants must pre-register. Mail registration by Sept 01, 2025