 Under a chapter originally organized in 1982, Florida Trail Association members in the Central Panhandle took on their first major project with the construction of the Pine Log Trail. After a short dormancy period the group reactivated as the Panhandler Chapter in 1992. Since then the group has built, blazed, relocated, and maintained more than 22 miles of trail within Bay and Washington counties, stretching from US 231 to SR 20 and into Pine Log State Forest. Over the years the chapter has constructed several bridges, many of those in remote, nearly inaccessible areas.
Changing its name to the Panhandle Chapter in 2005, the chapter continues to work hard throughout the region with a core group of dedicated, active members. One of the chapter’s premiere events is the Annual Econfina Flower Hike along pristine Econfina Creek, which takes place when the mountain laurel and other flowers are in bloom, usually mid to late April. Hikers enjoy a walk of nearly 8 miles and break for a picnic lunch on a bluff overlooking the creek.
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Serving Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties CHAPTER MEETINGS are on the first Monday of the month, 7 PM at Palms Conference Center, 9129 Front Beach Rd., Panama City Beach, FL 32407 DIRECTIONS: From Panama City: Cross Hathaway Bridge (HWY 98), Go thru Thomas Drive Light. Get in the left lane and take Front Beach Road at the next light. The Palms Conference Center is on the left at the Joan Ave. Intersection, across from the zoo, and in the Sleep Inn Parking Lot. Enter thru the lounge entrance at the end of the building facing the Sleep Inn. CONTACTS: |
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Chapters 
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The Panhandle Chapter maintains two segments of the Florida Trail in the Central Panhandle: along Econfina Creek in the Econfina Water Management Area and through Pine Log State Forest. Although the route of the Florida Trail passes from the Apalachicola River west through the Central Panhandle, there is no protected corridor for the trail except on these two public lands. 
ALONG ECONFINA CREEK, an 18 mile segment of the Florida Trail leads hikers through rugged ravines and tunnels of mountain laurel, an experience similar to a walk in the foothills of the Appalachians, especially in spring when the flowers are in bloom. The trail follows the creek through wooded areas of lush vegetation, crosses several bridges and passes an impressive waterfall. Primary access points are at the Scott Rd trailhead (off US 231) and at the SR 20 trailhead near Pitt Spring, both near the town of Fountain. 
Florida Trail Map Brochure