About Us
The Florida Trail Association Mission
The Florida Trail Association (FTA) builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the unique Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail), along with a network of hiking trails throughout the state of Florida. Together with our partners, the Association provides opportunities for the public to contribute to meaningful volunteer work, engage in outdoor recreation, and participate in environmental education. The Association
is made up of chapters that cover the entire state of Florida.
(See link above)
The Heartland Chapter
We serve members from Polk, Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto Counties. We maintain the Florida Trail in Green Swamp East and along the Kissimmee River at KICCO WMA. We also maintain trails at the Tenoroc Public Use Area and Arbuckle in the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest.
Join Us !
In addition to hiking and trail maintenance we also offer a variety of other activities including cycling, kayaking, camping and trips to cultural destinations. Experienced member activity leaders volunteer to lead these excursions. They are trained in first aid and must have first hand knowledge of the areas in which they take groups. All activities are reviewed and approved by Chapter leadership.