About us
Our Mission
The Florida Trail Association builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the Florida National Scenic Trail (Florida Trail), and a network of hiking trails throughout the state of Florida.
Our Vision
Our vision is a continuous well-maintained, protected network of hiking trails on public lands that highlight the unique natural, scenic, cultural, and historic places in Florida. These trails are open to all, connecting the diverse and growing population to opportunities for recreation and meaningful volunteer work in Florida.
Our Core Values
We are: Stewards, Dedicated, Inclusive, Adaptable, Respectful, Open, Fair, & Learners
We are constantly open to advancing our education and sharing our experiences.
Our History
James Kern envisioned the Florida Trail while hiking the Appalachian Trail in the early 1960s.
Upon returning to Florida, he founded the Florida Trail Association (FTA) to help create a long-distance hiking trail in the Sunshine State. The efforts of this dedicated volunteer organization helped establish the first orange blaze on the Florida Trail, painted in Ocala National Forest in 1966.
The Florida Trail was officially recognized as a National Scenic Trail in 1983, joining a select group of congressionally designated long-distance trails. Today you can follow the orange blazes of the Florida Trail for more than 1,500 miles, crossing more than 100 partner land management units within the state.
The USDA Forest Service is the administrator of the Florida Trail, charged with planning routes, overseeing development and establishing partnerships to complete the trail. The Forest Service and Florida National Scenic Trail Coalition, an advisory group of public and private partners, work collaboratively to close the last remaining gaps and establish permanent protection along the entirety of the Florida Trail.
