Green Swamp West 3-DAY BACKPACKING - Suncoast Triple Crown Event #3

Join us for the third and final event of the 2025 Suncoast Chapter Triple Crown backpacking series. FTA members who complete all three events will win an inaugural t-shirt plus bragging rights. Registration priority on this trip will be given to attendees of both the March and October past events.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: If you RSVP, you will have to answer screening questions and you will be placed on the waiting list. Activity leaders will screen the wait list in order of joining and move you to the "Going" list assuming you clear screening. A registration fee of $15.00 is due to attend this event. Though not required for registering, preference may be given to dues-paying members of the Florida Trail Association. You can join the FTA at Contribute – Florida Trail Association. Please read the rest of the material below!

WHAT: 3 days and 2 nights of backpacking and primitive camping along the Florida National Scenic Trail (Western Corridor) through parts of the Withlacoochee State Forest and Green Swamp West WMA. This will be an out and back style covering approximately 30 miles total hiking. You will get a taste of swamp hiking and river side camping.

WHO: You have some experience doing a fully self-supported overnight backpacking trip and you have the necessary gear and know how to use it. Necessary gear means shelter, food, water, cooking, backcountry hygiene (you've purposely pooped in the woods...responsibly), rain protection, sleep gear and clothes for all weather conditions.

WARNINGS: Honestly assess your skill level, gear and fitness for this trip. Though rescue is possible, the shame will be long-lasting. Wear something orange, it's hunting season in the forest. Weather can be unpredictable, from hot to cold, dry to wet and nights can get downright chilly. Sleeping cold all night is no fun. You must sign an assumption of risk at the orientation. We will be filtering water from the Withlacoochee River which will contain tanins giving the water a "tea" like color.

OUTLINE:
Friday, January 23: Pre hike visit to the Richloam General Store then get to stepping around at 10:30. Then hike about 9 miles from Richloam Fire Tower parking area to dispersed camping at High Bluff. Water source will be Withlacoochee River.
Saturday, January 24: 9 miles from High Bluff to Ashley Primitive campground in Green Swamp West. We'll stash enough water for the group at the Ashley camp site.
Sunday, January 25: 11 miles back to Richloam Fire Tower.

LOGISTICS:
Parking at Richloam Fire Tower with a pass provided day of.
Details for camping at Withlacoochee River park on Thursday 1/22/26 will follow as we get closer.

ADDED DETAILS:

WATER – As mentioned above … we will be drinking untreated water which has never seen a jug nor a pipe. You must have a method to screen, filter, and/or treat water.
WEATHER – Something to keep a close eye on as we get nearer to that weekend. If we get a cold front then you will need to make adjustments to gear. But in any case, be ready for hot, cold, wet, and dry … since we probably will see them *all* over the three days!!
HUNTING – We are hiking during hunting seasons. Please wear bright orange.
MONEY - There is a Registration Fee of $15.00 to attend this event. If you are moved from the Waitlist to the Going list, we’ll get in touch over MeetUp Messaging to arrange Paypal/Venmo/Zelle.