🥾🌳9th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4-Day Backpack Challenge️⛺️🌞

Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract
9th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge

START - Friday Feb 13 7:30 AM Holder Mine Trailhead Parking
FINISH - Monday Feb 16 3ish Holder Mine Trailhead Parking
(NOTE: Monday is President’s day and a holiday for many people)

COST - nonrefundable $60-$75 used for camp site fees, water cache, fire wood, trail magic and Sunday's dinner celebration…link for payment and exact cost will be provided when we have a final head count.

*READ ALL THE INFO BELOW BEFORE CLICKING ATTEND to get on the WAITLIST*

Everyone who requests to attend this event will first get on a waitlist.
By getting on the waitlist you agree you will have the necessary gear and be in the physical shape required for the challenge should you be moved to attending.

This challenge is not suited for beginners and anyone interested in getting on the waitlist should have successfully completed several multi day backpack adventures before attempting this one.

*NOTE* Members who have completed a prior 43-mile Challenge are automatically eligible to attend…others will be moved to going based on answers to the following questions AND failure to answer the questions below will eliminate you from consideration to attend.

1. Do you have previous multi day backpacking experience?
2. Do you 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!

Now for the fun stuff

WHAT YOU ARE SIGNING UP FOR: 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.

WHERE: The hike will start and finish at the Holder Mine trailhead parking area in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Across from Holder Mine Campground and on the south side of Trail 10. Just look for all the cars and backpacks.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kge8VjTHeN6CnbWG9

**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 clothes, gear & sleep system. You should be practiced enough with your gear to set up and break down 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.

CHECK OUT several of our past annual documentaries of the challenge filmed by JR. Links below for the 2025 and 2024 events.
[https://vimeo.com/showcase/9888502?video=1059238664 ](https://vimeo.com/showcase/9888502?video=1059238664)https://vimeo.com/showcase/9888502?video=916077012

Please contact the leadership team if you have questions.
Happy Trails,
Your Citrus 43 Backpack Challenge Leaders,
Traci, Bruce, Kathy, JR