Organized in 1976 as the Lake Kissimmee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, the Heartland Chapter covers the heart of Central Florida, from the Green Swamp south through the southern reaches of the Lake Wales Ridge, along both the Peace and Kissimmee Rivers.

The chapter began with trail building and maintenance as our primary mission, and completed the initial building and maintenance of the trails in the Richloam Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest as well as Hickory Hammock along the Kissimmee before turning these trails over to adjoining chapters. In addition to numerous side and loop trails on public lands, the chapter maintains a swath of the Florida National Scenic Trail from the Green Swamp to Bluff Hammock.

Under the guidance of master carpenter Roland Alderman, bridge building became the chapter’s forte. Many of our original bridges withstood the hurricanes of 2004. There are always new trails being blazed under the direction of our dedicated section leaders and advisors. We invite you to come out and hike with us!