Since 1997, the Highlanders Chapter of the Florida Trail Association has provided a gathering place for hikers in the heart of Central Florida. This chapter was developed to increase the participation of Florida Trail members living in Lake and Sumter Counties who were not able to attend the Central Florida chapter meetings and events.

The chapter regularly maintains 56 miles of the Florida Trail and offers educational seminars and recreational events throughout the region.  They participate in the January Chili Party; Big O Hike; Winter Wednesday Hikes; Black Bear Festival in Umatilla, our Gateway Community; and July and August Picnics. Many hiking and kayaking events that are also planned by members and published in the Highlanders Newsletter.

Serving Lake and Sumter counties

CHAPTER MEETINGS are held fourth Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM at Leesburg Public Library, Meeting Room A, just inside the front door. 100 East Main Street, Leesburg, FL.  No meetings are held in April, on major holidays or during the summer.  Please check on the Highlanders Chapter's activities page for our meeting dates schedule.

DIRECTIONS: From US Highway 27, turn east on Main Street.  The library is several blocks east at the intersection of Palmetto and Main.

 CONTACT:  W.A. "Bill" Milton 352-357-3723  WAM5441@aol.com

Bobbi Kennan 352-787-8654 Bobbiszoo@embarqmail.com

The Highlanders chapter maintains the Florida Trail in the Ocala South
Section in the National Forest, as well as the Cassia Section
including the north part of Seminole State Forest, Royal Trails
segment, and LaNoChe Boy Scout Camp segment.  They are also responsible for the Croom Hiking Trail running from Hog Island to River Junction in Withlacoochee State Forest in south Sumter County. They also maintain one loop trail, the Daubenmire Trail in Flat Island Preserve, in Leesburg.

THE FLORIDA TRAIL through the southern Ocala National Forest was the first section of the Florida Trail blazed in October, 1966. Extending from Clearwater Lake north to SR 40, this segment is one of the most popular in the state for backpacking, with highlights including Farles Prairie and Alexander Springs.

FLAT ISLAND PRESERVE is an easy 3.5 mile loop on an island in the Okahumpa Marsh and features an incredible amount of botanical diversity for Central Florida. It’s a popular destination for beginner backpacking trips and is just off US 27 south of Leesburg.

In SEMINOLE STATE FOREST the Florida Trail meanders through dense cabbage palms stands and across broad palmetto prairies while leading hikers past unique sites like Shark Tooth Spring and Blackwater Creek.