We encourage 2019 Florida Trail thru-hikers to join the Florida Trail Hikers Alliance at our low-key Kickoff Campout at Trail Lakes Campground, January 4-6, 2019.
You are welcome to arrive at Trail Lakes anytime on January 4 or 5. FTHA has reserved the group campsite for this low-key event. Tent campers are responsible for paying Trail Lakes $15 at the front office for their camping fee when they arrive. A bathhouse is located a short walk from the group campsite.
Volunteers will shuttle you to the Florida Trail from the group campsite.
An annual event to gather hikers together at the beginning of thru-hiker season, the Florida Trail Kickoff encourages long distance hiker camaraderie while providing low-cost camping as well as shuttle support to the trail terminus. It also gives you the opportunity to meet some of the trail angels of the Florida Trail.
Learn more about Trail Lakes Campground, which is located along the Tamiami Trail west of Big Cypress National Preserve and east of Everglades City, between Miami and Naples along US 41.
IMPORTANT: Those wishing to bring a camper or trailer will need to reserve a space on the Trail Lakes Campground website. The group site is for tents only.
2017 Florida Trail Kickoff - A low-key event for 2017, the Florida Trail Kickoff was entirely focused on taking care of hikers, making sure they met, mingled, and got ready to head out into Big Cypress.