🥾🌳8th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4-Day Backpack Challenge️⛺️🌞

📣📢 2025 Florida - Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge⛺️🥾
👋🫵SAVE THE DATES 📢📣Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract
8th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge Feb. 14-17th 2025

*MUST READ ALL THE INFO BELOW BEFORE GETTING on the WAITLIST! Getting on the waitlist denotes you will have the necessary gear and be in the physical shape required for the challenge should you be moved to attending.
In posting early we hope it gives some new backpackers a goal to look forward to for 2025. For anyone new to backpacking an overnight trip with a leader of this group in 2024 is required to be considered for next year's event.
*NOTE* Members who have completed a prior 43-mile Challenge are automatically eligible to attend.
**Failure to answer the questions below will eliminate you from consideration to attend.
1- Do you have or plan to have multi day backpacking experience by the challenge date?
2-Already have or agree to have all the necessary gear prior to the challenge date?
3-You agree to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions? 🌞🌨As this is a rain or shine challenge!

$$ There is a nonrefundable shared contribution for this 4-day challenge! It is to cover expenses incurred such as camp site fees, water cache, fire wood, trail magic and Sunday's dinner celebration. The per person contribution will be approximately $60- $75 and once determined a link to secure your spot will be provided.
WHAT: Considered a very strenuous 4-day, 3-night 43-mile loop Backpacking challenge! You will backpack for 4 consecutive days to primitive campsites without access to your vehicle!
**Here's a link for a great detailed Trail description of our 43 miles: https://floridahikes.com/citrus-hiking-trail
Day 1 - 12.0 mi - PCZB campsite. AKA-Jackson
Day 2 - 14.0 mi - PCZD campsite. AKA- Taylor
Day 3 - 7.8 mi - Mutual Mine campground
Day 4 - 9.5 mi back to Holder Mine trailhead parking area
It's deemed the -longest backpacking loop in FL. Add rolling sand-hills, descents into sinkholes, and rock-strewn footpaths, and you’ve got one of Florida’s most rugged hikes. Traversing extreme contrasts in habitats, from deeply shaded hardwood forests to long leaf pine, rosemary scrub, and open prairies.
WHEN: Feb. 14th - 17th. *Note* Monday 1/17/25 is a holiday for most. Friday 7:30am start and finish Monday 3:00ish.
WHERE: The hike will start and finish at the Holder Mine trailhead parking area in the Citrus Tract of the of Withlacoochee State Forest. Just look for all the cars and backpacks. Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bn8ZEAWXMi71xPuL6
**This hike is NOT for beginner backpackers or anyone with health limitations! You are responsible for and must be in physical condition to carry all you will need for the duration of the challenge.
Plan to carry food/snacks for the duration of the 4-days. Weather appropriate gear, sleep system, clothes, and shoes. You should be practiced enough with your gear to set up and breakdown under all FL weather conditions. **At this time of year, you could be subjected to hypothermia from freezing rain during a cold front to dehydration and heat stroke from warm weather and high temperatures.
**Note** We shall stay in-between the appointed lead and sweep hiker for the group. This is a group hike with a leader and a sweep, if this does not fit your hiking style, please do not sign up.
***NOTE: All participants are subject to approval or denial to participate in the Citrus Challenge by its group leaders at any time prior to or during. Leaders reserve the right to remove members they feel are not adequately trained or prepared. As well as anyone deemed disruptive to the positive mentality needed to complete this challenge. ***
**All participants will be required to sign a liability release form. Possible risks include Injury from a trip & fall, FL storms, lightning, venomous snakes & spiders, stinging insects, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, insect borne virus and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, & other airborne transmissible conditions. By voluntarily signing up for this adventure you are in agreement to hold harmless any leaders or volunteers of this event and agree to take whatever precautions you deem necessary for your own personal safety and needs for the duration of the event.
Want to see what last year's event was like? Below is a link to JR's annual documentary of the 2024 challenge:
Video link to the 2024 Citrus 43 Mi Backpack Challenge
Please contact your leadership team if you have questions.
Happy Trails,
Your Citrus 43 Backpack Challenge Leaders,
Traci, Bruce, Kathy, JR and Daniel