MOORE HAVEN -- More hikers are visiting Glades County this year, according to Kate Adams, section leader for Florida National Scenic Trail on the west side of Lake Okeechobee, who spoke to the Glades County Commissioners at their March 12 meeting.

“Since its founding in 1964, the trail has been expanded many times, resulting in its current total length of 1,584 miles,” she said. The current length is 1,584 miles.

Adams said each of the 19 chapters of the Florida Trail Association (FTA) contribute maintenance to the trail. These volunteers contributed more than 30,000 hours of service in 2023.

USACE provides maintenance for the portion of the trail in Glades County on top of the Herbert Hoover Dike, she continued. “Having minimal responsibility for trail maintenance, our chapter has focused on the promotional aspect of the FTA mission,” she explained. They attend area festivals and make presentations at public meetings.

 “We engage with hikers and bikers at every opportunity,” Adams said.

Long distance hikers who want to complete the entire trail usually start at the Southern terminus is Big Cypress National Preserve. When they reach the southern tip of Lake Okeechobee they can choose which way to go – around the east side or west side of the lake. Adams said her FTA Chapter promotes the route through Hendry and Glades counties with the slogan “West is Best!” They provide hikers information about businesses along the trail in Hendry and Glades counties where they can stop for resupply and lodging.

While there is no official count, information obtained from “Trail Angels” (volunteers who provide assistance to hikers) indicate there were twice as many hikers on the trail through Hendry and Glades Counties this year than in previous years. Long distance hikers from across the United States and even a few from other countries, come to Florida to make the 1,584 mile trek.

She said these hikers will tell others about their experiences in Glades County.

She reported that locally-owned businesses near the Trail have benefitted from the FTA Gateway Community program, which informs trail users where to find carryout food, lodging and re-supply stores.

Adams and FTA Chapter Chair Margaret England presented the County Commissioners with the Gateway Community road signs, which will be installed at four locations in Glades County.

About the  FTA Fisheating Creek Chapter ..

The FTA Fisheating Creek Chapter serves Glades and Hendry Counties. The Florida National Scenic Trail (FNST) passes through Hendry County south of Clewiston and through Glades County on the west side of Lake Okeechobee. The Fisheating Creek chapter works with state and federal land managers to help with peripheral maintenance and trail safety on the FNST.

The Fisheating Creek chapter can be contacted via email: FTAGladesHendry@yahoo.com