FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE CELEBRATES ITS FIRST TRAILWARRIOR TO HIKE 1,000 MILES

June 17, 2019

Brickman Way of Gainesville recently achieved the title of Florida’s first Trailwarrior to hike 1,000 miles of trails on Florida State Forests.

He was honored for his accomplishments by the Florida Forest Service at the Waccasassa Forestry Center earlier this week by Director Jim Karels and State Recreation Coordinator Lorna Radcliff as the first person to hike 1,000 miles under its Trailwalker program.

Brickman began his quest as a Trailwalker in August of 2009. He achieved the Trailwarrior level after completing 250, 500 and 750 milestones, most of them here on the Waccasassa Forestry Center's 7 state forests.

The Trailwalker program has multiple levels of achievement and recognition. Trailwalker status is achieved after walking 10 trails from the Forest Service’s list. Hikers reach the Trailblazer level after completing 20 of the trails. And the Trailmaster level requires the completion of 30 trails. Patches are awarded after every 10 trails. Hikers who complete three patches earn one large patch.

Next, it’s on to the Trailwarrior program where recognitions are awarded after every 250 miles completed.

Way is mostly a day hiker, returning home each day after enjoying time out on the trails. His future hiking plans include spending more time taking multi-day trips to visit other hiking trails around Florida.

The Florida Forest Service encourages everyone to get up, get out, and get hiking! If you are interested in Florida State Forests' Trailwalker Program, visit https://www.freshfromflorida.com/…/Florid…/Recreation/Hiking

Congratulations Brickman! Well done!

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