Backpacking - Withlacoochee SF, Citrus Tract, Holder Mine

Come join us for a weekend backpacking trip in the Withlacoochee State Forest, Citrus Tract, a beautiful primitive area about 100 miles west of Orlando near Inverness, FL. This was where I did my first overnight backpack trip after moving to Florida in the early 1990’s. The Citrus Tract is one of the largest state-owned land tracts, having nearly 40 miles of hiking trails, as well as interesting and hilly topography. I will be reserving a tent site at the Holder Mines Campground for Friday night, probably drive into Inverness for dinner, so you can either camp Friday night with us and be relaxed in the morning or drive over on Saturday morning. We will meet for the backpack trip on Saturday morning at 9:00 AM at the Holder Mine Recreation Area trailhead where the blue blazed connector trail begins. We will backpack the A Loop and B Loop counterclockwise, to the Jackson primitive campsite, for a total of approximately 11 miles, and then make camp. There is a hand pump less than 0.5 miles from camp for us to get water, I will have my filter if you have one bring it. On Sunday, we will continue counterclockwise around the Loops returning back to Holder Mine Rec. Area and your cars, traveling around 7.2 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. For the backpacking trip, you are responsible for your food and cooking gear for Saturday lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Bring suitable backpack meals that can be prepared using only a backpack stove. I will have my stove, so if you do not have one and only need boiling water I can cover you. If you do not have all of the necessary equipment, myself or another participant may have extra gear that you can borrow, so let me know as early as possible prior to the trip. There is not a entry/use fee for this trip, except for a couple of dollars to help cover the Friday night camping fee.
This trip is for Florida Trail (FTA) Members and their guests only.