Project: Florida Trail Gateway Community Designation
Completed: March 2025
Project Overview
In partnership with the Florida Trail Association (FTA), the City of DeFuniak Springs became an official Florida Trail Gateway Community in March 2025. This designation highlights DeFuniak Springs as a welcoming destination for hikers traveling along the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,500-mile route that passes through Florida’s Panhandle.
The Gateway Community designation supports local agriculture, tourism, and outdoor recreation by connecting the region’s natural assets with statewide trail users.
Background
In late 2023, the DeFuniak Springs City Council began discussions with the Florida Trail Association to explore formal participation in the Gateway Community program. This program is designed to promote trail-oriented towns that provide reliable services—like food, lodging, and resupply—while also showcasing their unique local culture.
On November 27, 2023, the City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FTA, officially committing to the initiative.
Key Milestones
November 27, 2023 – The DeFuniak Springs City Council unanimously approved an MOU with the Florida Trail Association, formalizing participation in the Gateway Community program.
March 24, 2025 – A new Florida Trail kiosk was unveiled at Chipley Park in downtown DeFuniak Springs. Representatives from the Florida Trail Association attended the City Council meeting that same evening to formally recognize the city as a Gateway Community.
Link to City Council Presentation 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMdr6f_-pZI&t=6590s
Benefits to the Community
Trail-Oriented Tourism: Enhances DeFuniak Springs’ visibility among long-distance hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
Local Business Promotion: Encourages visitors to explore restaurants, shops, and lodging options downtown
Community Engagement: Supports partnerships between local government, nonprofits, and volunteers
Recreation Access: Provides residents and visitors with better access to trail information and amenities
Project Status
This project is complete at the local level. The City of DeFuniak Springs is now recognized through a formal agreement as a certified Gateway Community, and the trail kiosk at Chipley Park has been installed and activated.
As of now, we are still awaiting the Florida Trail Association to update their website to reflect DeFuniak Springs’ Gateway status. We look forward to seeing the designation reflected online so that visitors and hikers across the state can easily discover and connect with our community.
📍 Learn more about the Florida Trail: https://floridatrail.org
📍 About Gateway Communities: https://floridatrail.org/get-involved/gateway-communities