Citrus Loop Advanced Backpacking Trip

• What we’ll do — Citrus Trail Loop — January 18th – 20th (Saturday-Monday (MLK Weekend)) — Arrival 5:00+ PM Friday — Hike Begins Before 10 AM Saturday — Advanced/ Public/ Strenuous — Activity Leaders: Ryan Lusk, Rita Black
FEE: $25

Bring on the caves!! The CITRUS TRAIL LOOP!! This backpacking trip is for advanced hikers only. This is not a beginner backpacking trip. The trip will be along the Citrus Trail in Withlacoochee State Forest. Total miles are around 40 for entire trip. We will average 13 miles a day over 3 days of hiking.
We will arrive on Friday evening 1/17/25 at **[Tillis Hill Equestrian Campground Withlacoochee State Forest, FL](https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/tillis-hill-equestrian-campground-withlacoochee-state-forest/FLFS/1120181/overview)** where I have reserved 2** campsites for us. There are a few sites left in Tillis if you would like your own sites. Holder mine at moment of this entry has 2 sites left as well.

Friday evening, we will get acquainted, and I will go over any last-minute details of the trail. (This is optional, you can show up Saturday morning.) Saturday morning, we begin the trip. Day one is about 14 miles. We will hike from Holder Mine Trail Head to our first primitive campsite Taylor (Loop D). Next day we hike from TAYLOR to JACKSON campsite which will be about 13.7 miles. The final day we hike from JACKSON (Loop B) back to Holder Mine which will be about 11 miles. Then home!

**Camping Friday evening 1/17 – Friday night: Each campsite is allowed 2 vehicles and two tents. Extra vehicles will be paying $5 for the night until we can get to trailhead. The two tent per campsite thing may be difficult. I will bring a 6 person tent, and if a few others can bring a 6-8 person tent, that will help us cover the 1st night of camping. Let me know if you are able to. If you don’t want to cram into big tents, you may look into your own accommodations in the area for that evening. I have 2 sites for a maximum of 16 people. The 2 tent rule is strictly enforced per previous experience at this campground.** I have sites 21 and 33 which are right across from each other.

I am maxing this hike to 20 hikers. What does advanced trip mean? It means you understand that this is a multi-day backpacking trip, you know what that means for you and the gear you bring, and you are able to follow a blazed trail intersected by numerous side and cross trails. This is not a guided trip like the beginner backpacking trips. This will be a “hike your own hike” type of trip and I really do not feel like tracking down lost hikers all day. If I have never met you, you may receive an email from me or call asking what experience you have. Please do not be offended but I need to assess if each hiker can physically do the trip as well as not get lost. I will check everyone in on Friday evening. In the morning, we will wake up and you will begin your hike at your leisure. As you leave you MUST sign out with me and then I, or Rita, will check everyone back in once we reach the next campsite. Then we will repeat same practice each day. I will expect everyone in by a certain time though each evening. Trust me it will be reasonable. A FTA co leader will be sweeping each day. —
This is a dry trail for the most part so we will be doing a water drop at each campsite. There will be enough water for everyone and then some. You will have water for camping and next day on the trail. —
There is a cost associated with this hike, mainly campsite reservations, firewood, snacks and water. According to rangers we can park at trail head outside of Holder for free as well as the equestrian parking. Please carpool though if possible.

• Summary: 3 days on the trail. Monitor the weather and be prepared for forecast conditions. See you there!
Ryan Lusk 904-891-4479