About Us
Since 1997, the Highlanders Chapter of the Florida Trail Association has provided a gathering place for hikers in the heart of Central Florida. The chapter regularly maintains 56 miles of the Florida Trail and offers educational seminars and recreational events throughout the region. We host many hiking, kayaking, biking, and other nature oriented events as well.
The Highlanders chapter maintains the Florida National Scenic 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. From (28.815926, -81.426277) to (29.174132, -81.692990). We are also responsible for the Croom Hiking Trail running from Hog Island to River Junction in Withlacoochee State Forest in south Sumter County and maintain the Daubenmire Trail in Flat Island Preserve, in Leesburg.
Impact by the Numbers
More Than
Members
Over
Events Each Year
More Than
Miles Maintained
Over
Volunteer Hours
As a volunteer ran organization, we can't thank our members and volunteers enough for all that you do! Thanks to your outreach efforts, trail maintenance, hosting events, and administrative help - we have 215+ active members, host 65+ events each year, maintain 56+ miles of trail each year, and submit over 1,500 volunteer hours per year.
For more information, check out:
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I join the Florida Trail Association (FTA)?
You can become an FTA member, by visiting the Florida Trail Associations website at: https://floridatrail.org/contribute/
When and where are the Highlanders Chapter meetings?
The Highlanders meet at Leesburg Library, 100 E. Main Street, Leesburg at 5:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of January, February, March, April, May, September, October and November. More information on these meetings and our other events can be found on our Events page.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
As a mostly volunteer ran organization, there are many ways to volunteer within our chapter! Below are some ways:
- Become an activity leader
- Attend trail maintenance
- Volunteer to assist manning a display table/booth at outreach events
- Serve as a chapter meeting host
- Assist with maintenance of the memorial garden at PEAR Park
- Volunteer to assist for special events and programs
- Share your own ideas for strengthening and supporting the Highlanders Chapter.
- Share what you would like to see for presentations at the Chapter meetings
More information on ways to get involved can be found on our Get Involved page
How can I become an activity leader?
An activity can be a lot of things within our chapter. All activity leaders follow the guidelines set by FTA (a guide is available for prospective leaders) and need to first arrange and lead 2 activities will with a certified leader within our chapter before a request is made to FTA to be certified. Just ask any one in leadership to get started.
What types of material are accepted for the recycling program?
Our recycling team accepts anything metal! So anything which is magnetic and all aluminum, brass or copper. We recycle appliances, aluminum and tin cans, lawn furniture, electronics, just any metal. You can bring your recycling to any monthly membership meeting.