Backpack Trip - Ocala NF, Pat's Island TH to Kerr Island
Details
(THIS TRIP IS FOR FLORIDA TRAIL MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS)
Revised Trip, (N to S instead of S to N) (See Attached Map of Route):
I scouted the trip on Saturday, and based on this I want to change the route now going N to S, starting at the CR316 Trailhead and ending at Pat's Island TH. The main reason for this is that there have been fires in the area where we would have camped near FR11, versus now we will camp at the north end of Hopkins Prairie, nice and scenic. Also there is a good location to cache water for Saturday night / Sunday along FR33.
The plan is to still meet at the Pat's Island TH, park most of the vehicles, load all of the gear and people into two vehicles and then drive to the starting point. (I have a pickup where all gear can be shuttled. Just need to fit the people.) These vehicles will be parked along CR316 or at the 88 Store.
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Come join us for a weekend backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest, through Hopkins Prairie, adjacent to Lake Kerr, up to the Store 88 (a popular resupply point for through-hikers). The total distance will be around 17 miles.
We will meet on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM where the Florida Trail crosses FR 46 (old 10), and then shuttle cars to the trailhead parking lot at CR 316. On Saturday, we will backpack North on the Florida Trail through Hopkins Prairie, cross FR 54 (old 90), continue past the blue blaze trail to Salt Springs, and continue until we find a good campsite along the trail, total of 10 or 11 miles. There are no water sources where we will camp, so we need to carry all of our water or cache water at CR 314 or FR 11. On Sunday, we will continue north on the Florida Trail adjacent to Lake Kerr up to Store 88 and our parking area and our cars, which is 5 or 6 miles.
Ensure that you have good fitting shoes or boots, comfortable backpack, lightweight tent, sleeping bag, suitable clothing, as well as other items, flashlight, etc. You are responsible for your food and cooking gear for Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast. Bring suitable backpack meals that can be prepared using only a backpack stove. If you do not have all of the necessary equipment, myself or another participant may have extra gear that you can borrow. Let me know as early as possible prior to the trip. We will be hanging bear bags or carrying bear canisters as this is black bear country.