What we’re about
About Us
The Alligator Amblers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) serves Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties and provides local hikers with numerous opportunities to participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, biking, camping, hiking, paddling and trail maintenance.
Our parent organization the FTA is dedicated to building and maintaining the 1300 mile Florida National Scenic Trail streching from the Big Cypress Swamp, around Lake Okeechobee, through Ocala, Osceola and Apalachicola National Forests to Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach. The Alligator Amblers assist in this mission by supporting and maintaing an eight mile portion of the Florida Trail south of I-75 in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve as well as the 6.5 mile loop trail at Collier-Seminole State Park.
The Alligator Amblers have also assisted in building and maintaining trails within Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (Collier County), Hickey's Creek Mitigation Park and Prairie Pines Preserve (Lee County) among others.
Please note: For the safety of our Activity Leaders and other participants the Alligator Amblers would like to respectfully request that your profile include a full facial photo so that you are recognizable when attending our events or activities.
Meetings
We meet monthly on the third Thursday of each month (except July and August). Check the Meetup site for specifics regarding location and time. You are welcome to join us! Most of our meetings feature educational and entertaining speakers. Come early to socialize.
Each month there is a presentation on an outdoor related topic, followed by a discussion of upcoming activities and trail related events.
Activities
Activities are scheduled throughout the year. More activities are planned during the cooler months. These outdoor events include day hikes, multi-day backpacking trips, car camping, trail maintenance, biking, plus both day and overnight paddling events. The public is welcome to all monthly meetings and many activities. Some activities must limit the number of persons or tents due to ecological, space or other factors. A few activities may only be available to FTA members to help the trip leader insure that all are capable of safely participating. These few activities may be more difficult, more strenuous or more remotely located than most.
Read each activity notice carefully. Realize that our activities are governed by the rules set forth by the FTA and are typically less casual than your typical Meetup event. An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity
Upcoming events
2
Bike CREW Bird Rookery Trail on New Year's Day
1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W, Naples, FL, USJoin the Alligator Amblers for their annual New Years Day Bird Rookery Bike along the 12 mile dirt tramway loop established more than a century ago for logging cypress. Along this loop we are flanked by a primordial pop-ash swamp alive with wildlife.
Plan to arrive early to get parked, your bikes ready and to make a donation ($3 suggested) at the kiosk. You will immediately observe abundant wildlife in the surrounding waterways. There is a restroom at the trail head. There is no drinking water on-site. Look to sign in w/the group at the parking observation deck. This is a popular area!
We will be riding the loop counter clockwise stopping for a snack break at the big oak at 8 miles. The pace will be leisurely.
Bike Conditions:
Trams are dirt single track with roots and karst in spots. About 2.5 mi of exposed section but mostly shaded. Expect to make a few short crossings where shallow water flows across the tram and some muddy spots depending upon recent rain fall. We will dismount as needed.
Tram shoulder visibility is acceptable, be it a bit overgrown.
On the recon on Dec 15th we found it quite acceptable.
Alligators are ubiquitous and sun themselves on the bike path, particularly along the last 3 mi of the loop.
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to High Moderate
What to Bring:
Hybrid/Mountain/Fat Tire bike suggested. Any bike can be suitable depending upon your experience and comfort level riding these conditions.
Helmets required, bike repair kit/pump.
Bring a minimum of 2L of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and optional lunch for after ride.
Fees:
$3 suggested donation. Bring exact change.
Public: Yes Limit: 20_ people
Link:
https://crewtrust.org/bird-rookery-swamp-trail/
Rain cancels and will send notice.
An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you.
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)12 attendees
Short New Year's Day Hike at CREW Bird Rookery Trail
1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W, Naples, FL, USActivity Level: Leisurely
Skillset: Hike about 4.5 miles total out and back on a boardwalk and dirt tram.
Details:
Join the Alligator Amblers for their annual New Year's Day Bird Rookery Hike along the tramway established more than a century ago for logging cypress. We will walk out towards the loop intersection at a leisurely pace and back
Plan to arrive early to get parked and to make a donation ($3 suggested) at the kiosk. You will immediately observe abundant wildlife in the surrounding cypress slough.
There is a restroom at the trail head. There is no drinking water on-site. Look to sign in w/the group at the parking observation deck. This is a popular area!
Rain cancels and will send notice.
What to Bring:
Bring a minimum of 1 liter of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and optional lunch for after the walk. Picnic tables at trail head.
Links w/ More Info / Trail Map:
https://crewtrust.org/bird-rookery-swamp-trail/
An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you.
Florida Trail Association (http://www.floridatrail.org/)15 attendees
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