Thank you for your interest in the Friends of Seminole State Forest (FSSF) Tracked Chair Program. The Seminole State Forest is the first, in the entire 38 state forest system, to implement a Tracked Chair Program for the mobility impaired.
Our mission statement is, "To Help Improve Our Forest for the Increased Benefit and Enjoyment of the Public". The tracked chair program helps provide both accessibility and opportunity for everyone to enjoy the natural beauty, and benefits, of our forest.
Check out this video of Cordell Jeter, owner of EcoRover Chairs, and supplier of our new Tracked Chair!
Use of the Tracked Chair is free of charge. A day pass is required on all vehicles entering the forest. A self-serve station is located at the Bear Pond Trailhead. Day-use entrance fees are $2.00 and can also be paid by calling 1-877-879-3859.
Trips are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 am and 1 pm, excluding holidays.
The distinctive characteristic of the Seminole State Forest is its ecological diversity which includes almost all of the naturally occurring vegetative communities found in Central Florida. There are more than 17 different natural communities, each with unique plants, animals, and physical characteristics. A few examples are flatwoods, scrub, hydric hammock, and sandhill. The scrub provides an important habitat for many rare and threatened species such as the Florida black bear and scrub-jay. There are also 18 named springs throughout the forest.
If you have specific items that you rely on for your personal comfort, it is recommended you bring them. Thermoregulation is your responsibility so make a point to check the local weather forecast and bring adequate clothing to maintain an appropriate level of comfort. Here is a list of items you should consider bringing:
A friend/relative/caregiver must transfer you from your vehicle to the tracked chair. A FSSF volunteer will help with your paperwork and then accompany/guide you and your group along the trail.
Due to the inherent risk posed by the Tracked Chair and concern for the safety of your pet or service animal, they are not allowed to accompany you on the trail while using the tracked chair.
The Bear Pond Trailhead is located north of State Road 46, approximately 5.7 miles west of Interstate 4 (exit 51), at Wekiva River Road, Sorrento, 32776. GPS: N28° 49.152 W81° 25.685
Upon arrival, please proceed to the trailhead's entrance station. There are multiple handicap-accessible parking spaces in front of Bear Pond. A Tracked Chair staff volunteer will be there to greet you at the scheduled trip start time.
You will be accompanied by a volunteer though your journey on the trail. You can also expect to attract a fair amount of curiosity from your fellow trail users. Don’t be surprised to find yourself the center of attention! We’ve found forest visitors to be quite interested in the Tracked Chair and very supportive of the efforts to offer this unique opportunity.
Enjoy your time at Seminole State Forest! We appreciate your support of the Friends of Seminole State Forest Tracked Chair Program and are confident your experience will be a great one!
There is much to see and do in the Seminole State Forest!
Friends of Seminole State Forest (FSSF) is a 501(c)(3) with all proceeds from our fundraisers devoted to improving the visitor's experience at the forest.
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to help with our fundraising events such as our annual trail-run, 'Run for the Woods,' on Super Bowl Sunday. We also need Tracked Chair Program volunteers. Enjoying the outdoors while 'paying it forward' is a kindness that benefits both you and others!
Our Tracked Chair Team makes previously challenging outdoor activities a reality for members of the public who are mobility impaired. These hikes are available twice daily every Saturday and Sunday, except on holidays.
As a volunteer, you will accompany our program participants and their guests, ensuring they have a enjoyable and safe trip. Trips may run up to 3 hours for the full 3.1 miles. You can volunteer for as many (or as few) hikes as your schedule permits.
Volunteers are required to go through a brief Tracked Chair familiarization with our Tracked Chair Program Manager.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please download the form below, fill out, and email to: FriendsofSeminoleStateForest@gmail.com or post to P.O. Box 884, Sorrento,FL. 32776.
Copyright © 2019 Friends of Seminole State Forest Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
PO Box 884, Sorrento, FL 32776
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