|
 Established as the Cornelian Hiking Club in 1981 in honor of Cornelia Burge, one of the Florida Trail’s most memorable volunteers, the North Florida Trailblazers took on their new name in 1987. Our chapter, which maintains the Florida Trail in the northeasternmost part of the state, has a very active core group and our members participate at both the local and state level.
When we are not blazing, we can be found on trails near and far from Jacksonville. We celebrate the end of the year at our annual Christmas Campout with a potluck and presents. Usually held at Osceola National Forest's group site, The Landing, this is a long weekend of great fun and outdoor activities. Saturday night features fried turkey and all the fixings and no one wants to miss out on the gift exchange! In February, we host the annual IDIDAHIKE – a 12 mile hike with shorter routes, as well. This is our main fundraiser of the year, and has been a great success. During the rest of the year, you’ll find us keeping the trails clear and leading hikes and other activities. Come join us!
Serving Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, and Union counties CHAPTER MEETINGS are held at various locations and times. DIRECTIONS: Check website http://www.meetup.com/hiking-560 CONTACTS: 
The North Florida Trailblazers Chapter maintains the Florida Trail between the Olustee trailhead in the Osceola National Forest and along the Suwannee River into White Springs. We also maintain the Florida Trail from the Etoniah trailhead on Holloway Road through Goldhead State Park, Camp Blanding and the Keystone Airpark to CR 100 in Keystone Heights.  While we think that all of our trails are very special, during the spring when many of Florida's native plants are in bloom, you'll find one of the best smelling sections of trail along the Suwannee River between the Little Shoals Trailhead and White Springs. Depending upon weather conditions, blooming can begin as early as the beginning of March. Along this stretch of trail you'll find native azalea, Florida fringe trees, and button bushes as well as a host of other flora. The azaleas range in color from dark pink to almost white and are clustered close to the trail in many places. Their heady fragrance fairly drips upon your head as you pass by.
|
The Association 
-->
Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Our volunteers also build and maintain other trails on public land, known as the Florida Trail System. With 18 local chapters, FTA provides educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
