The Western Gate Chapter is the westernmost of the nineteen Chapters of the Florida Trail Association, drawing its membership from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The Chapter is responsible for building and maintaining sections of the 1500 mile Florida National Scenic Trail system (FNST) within the boundaries of these two counties. In all, Western Gate maintains close to 100 miles of trail, much of it continuous, which makes multi-day backpacking trips possible.
The FNST is connected in the north to the Alabama Hiking Trail Society's trail through the Conecuh National Forest. The trek continues north through the Pinhoti Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the International Appalachian Trail and ultimately the shores of Quebec. The complete trail is called the Eastern Continental Trail.
To the east of Western Gate's segment of the FNST is Choctawhatchee Chapter, which draws its members from Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Western Gate regularly leads hikes, canoe trips and bike excursions. Events are tailored to the capability of a variety of individuals, from a one hour walk around town before dinner to a ten mile cross country event.
The FNST is connected in the north to the Alabama Hiking Trail Society's trail through the Conecuh National Forest. The trek continues north through the Pinhoti Trail, the Appalachian Trail, the International Appalachian Trail and ultimately the shores of Quebec. The complete trail is called the Eastern Continental Trail.
To the east of Western Gate's segment of the FNST is Choctawhatchee Chapter, which draws its members from Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Western Gate regularly leads hikes, canoe trips and bike excursions. Events are tailored to the capability of a variety of individuals, from a one hour walk around town before dinner to a ten mile cross country event.
