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 Since 1996, the Tropical Trekkers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association has brought together hikers along the Treasure Coast. Once part of the Loxahatchee Chapter, they are now a voice for their local hiking community, with members serving on advisory boards for state parks and working with Martin County to develop a long-range master plan for parks and recreation.
Some of our annual activities include the Annual Dessert Hike, typically held on the Hawks Bluff Trail in Savannas State Park, and the annual AT backpacking trip. The Tropical Trekkers spend hundreds of hours each year maintaining trails and fulfilling the mission of the Florida Trail Association to instill in Floridians an appreciation of the natural beauty of Florida.
Serving Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties CHAPTER MEETINGS are held on the second Monday of the month at 7 PM at the Palm City Recreation Center, Palm City. DIRECTIONS: The Palm City Recreation Center is at the corner of Cornell Avenue and Martin Downs Boulevard at the foot of the Palm City bridge in Palm City. CONTACTS: 
The Tropical Trekkers maintain the Florida Trail along the Kissimmee River from Okeetantie Recreation Area (near Okeechobee) to Bluff Hammock Conservation Area. Loop and side trails maintained within the Florida Trail System include Seabranch State Park, South Fork St. Lucie, and the new Rafael Sanchez Trail in Okeechobee Ridge Park.  THE FLORIDA TRAIL between the Hickory Hammock and Bluff Hammock trailheads is a beautiful section of footpath leading hikers from the parking area along US 98 through hydric hammocks dense with cabbage palms and wild citrus trees, past waterways brimming with lilies, and to a well-treasured campsite in Hickory Hammock, deeply shaded by live oaks and hickory trees. Along the northernmost portion of this 9.1 linear mile stretch of trail, several lengthy boardwalks and bridges carry hikers along the edge of the Kissimmee River floodplain, providing spectacular views for birding.
SEABRANCH PRESERVE STATE PARK is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Parks system, and hiking is the way to enjoy this special preserve along the Intracoastal Waterway near Hobe Sound. Two loop trails totaling 4.8 miles provide your gateway to explore a coastal scrub habitat, increasingly rare in this region due to development. Hikers often see Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises here. The preserve includes a rare South Florida bayhead swamp, which the trail parallels. |
The Association 
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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.
