The 2025 – 20th Annual Ocean to Lake Backpacking Event

This activity is for experienced backpackers. The photo was from last year which I think set the record for the most rain during the event. Some let their spare clothes get wet and it turned cold. Be prepared for all conditions! If you haven’t done this before, you must speak to Scott to get on the official list for this event; just signing up on this Meetup is not enough! Note: MU has limited this description area and I had to significantly edit the information. Email Scott for the complete description. The Ocean to Lake Backpacking hike is a FTA sponsored hike covering 61.4 miles in 6 days. This is not an easy hike. Camp sites are primitive and trail conditions and weather can make the hike challenging. Prior backpacking experience especially in Florida is necessary before attempting the hike. The hike does provide the opportunity to experience and enjoy some of the best managed natural areas in south Florida. Due to campsite limitation the hike is limited to 24 hikers. Day 1 – LOST to Dupuis Loop 4 – 9 miles. We will meet at Harry and the Natives restaurant for breakfast at about 6:45 am. At about 8:00 am we will go to JDSP and meet in the first parking lot by the front gate. People who want to skip breakfast will meet us there. Resupply drops for Corbett on Monday will be collected here. We will be shuttled out to the Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trailhead (LOST) to begin our adventure. If you plan to meet us at the LOST trailhead please be there by 9:30. Day 2 – Loop 4 to Corbett Little Gopher – 10 miles Day 3 – Little Gopher to Corbett Youth Camp- 12 miles The Youth Camp has showers, flush toilets and potable water. You have the option to stay in an air conditioned bunkhouse (no bedding or towels are provided). You may tent out if you wish. Snacks and drinks will be provided as part of the dinner which is vegetarian friendly. Resupply drops will be delivered (unwanted or dirty clothes can be placed in your resupply box and will be returned at the end) and a shuttle back to JDSP for the three day hikers will be available. Friends and other guests are invited to the dinner for a $10 donation to FTA. Tuesday-Thursday hikers are welcome Monday night. There will be no shuttle to or from the Youth Camp Tuesday AM. Day 4 – Youth Camp to Lox Slough Luckey Tract – 11 miles Day 5 – Luckey Tract to JDSP Kitching Creek -12 miles Today we cross the Loxahatchee River on the road bridge and arrive at a small strip mall with a convenience store and a couple of good small restaurants for lunch (Pizza and Mexican). Day 6 – Kitching Creek to Hobe Sound Beach- 9 miles On our final day we will stop for lunch at the Citron Bistro restaurant in Hobe Sound before we complete the last mile to the ocean. Friends and family meeting you are welcome to join us for lunch. We’ll need a head count before the hike to reserve enough space for all of us. The beach is usually crowded and we always make a big impression on the beach goers. Shuttles will be available to take people back to JD to pick up their cars. COST SUMMARY All 6 days — $60.00 3 day option — $35.00 OTLHT Patch, OTLHT t-shirt and Dean Drake OTLHT booklet (optional $5.00, $30 and $15 each) New FTA membership – discounted $30.00 Lunch at Indiantown road and Citron Bistro ($40+/-) restaurant in Hobe Sound. Friends or guest attending the Corbett Youth Camp dinner $10.00 donation. An Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail map is available from the FTA store. Go to http://www.floridatrail.org to purchase a copy. Or you can download the FT app, Far Out Guides, at the Apple Store, Google Play or the App Store, also available for android; here is a link that will give you the information:
[Download Florida Trail app | Guthook Atlas FarOut | Florida Hikes](https://floridahikes.com/florida-trail-app)
Our objective is for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable hike. Your cooperation with our few basic procedures will help ensure achieving this objective. For vetting and a registration form (REQUIRED) and complete description contact Scott Lunsford tblazer7579@comcast.net 561-441-1251. If you want to speak with the hike leader, Janet Miller 561-385-8676, Fred is taking a much deserved break this year! Ryan Lusk will co-lead the 1st half and Phil Mitchell the 2nd half. Rick Zinter will also co-lead all 6 days.