OTLHT - Overnight Backpacking -Beeline to Beach Section

Have you been section hiking the OTLHT by yourself and want to finish the second half with a small group? Here is a fun way to cover a good portion of the Eastern half of the OTLHT.

This is a 2 day, 1 night backpacking trip. The approximate miles will be 13 on Saturday and 11 on Sunday with an overnight stay at Cypress Creek Primitive Campsite.

We will be hiking from the Loxahatchee Slough Parking Lot on Beeline Highway to the Eastern Terminus of the OTLHT on Hobe Sound Beach. The miles will be approximately 13+ on Saturday and 11 or so on Sunday. We certainly will not be running, but we will be keeping a moderate pace with the potential for some side quests if the group is up to it.

The format will be very similar to how we cover this section when we complete the annual OTLHT hike. We will meet and park our cars overnight at the parking lot at Hobe Sound Beach and will be shuttled by chapter volunteers to the starting point on Beeline Highway.

On Saturday, we will hike to just beyond Riverbend Park and cross Indiantown Road to have lunch at the Squire Shopping plaza (pro-tip; pack an extra ziplock bag to take leftovers or a to-go order for dinner and leave your cooking kit at home). We will overnight at the Cypress Creek Campsite. Since the county-wide fire ban is still in effect, we will likely get into camp a little later in the afternoon and play some card games or learn some knots under the shelter before turning in.

On Sunday, we again hike to lunch (do you see a pattern?) on Bridge Road before a short stroll to the beach where you can dip your toes in the water or jump entirely in, your call.

So if you are keeping score, as far as food goes, you might need a breakfast and some snacks if you are so inclined.

Although we are in a drought, this particular section has several good water sources and as well as options like a gas station and small grocery. So pack your filter and plan on having water available at some points.

Other than you basics, this should be a light and fun way to see this section of the OTLHT.

Meet at the main pavilion at the Hobe Sound Beach parking lot at the Eastern end of Bridge Road. We plan to leave at 9:00 AM and not hold up our shuttle volunteers, so please be prompt.

**Keep your gear to a bare minimum, but prepared for Florida conditions.**

Minimum Hiking Gear List:

• Rain gear
• Backpack
• Tent
• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Insect repellent
• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Snacks
• Eating utensils
• Toilet paper and lightweight trowel to bury waste there will be no outhouse/ privy)
• Water filtration/ treatment
• Food - See above for details

Public/ Strenuous
Activity Leaders: Wayne Vassello, TBD

If you have any questions please let me know.
Wayne Vassello - wvassello@hotmail.com