Let's return to the Withlacoochee State Forest and hike D Loop of the scenic Citrus Tract. The Citrus Tract has one of the largest trail loops in Florida (43 miles) though our hike be approximately 7-11 miles (route and distance subject to change). This section of the forest some of the more unique areas you'll see in Florida -- large sinkhole and karst formations as well as unique subtropical ferns, mushrooms and other rare vegetation. There is also a cave we might explore. Trail conditions, including water levels, treefall or muddy/wet may be present, please be in excellent physical condition for this hike. This should NOT be your first hike.
DIRECTIONS
From Lake Mary, take I-4 west to the Florida Turnpike exit. Continue on the Turnpike north 70 miles until merging into I-75 north. Use the two right lanes to exit 329 SR-44 Wildwood. Continue west SR-44 west until you reach Pleasant Grove Rd. Turn left to continue south until you reach Stage Coach Rd. Turn right on Stage Coach Rd heading west; continue 2.9 miles. Trailhead is approximately 100 yards east of cemetery.
PLEASE BRING: 2 or more liters of water (REQUIRED). RECOMMENDED: Lunch, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, rain gear. Parts will be shaded and parts will be sunny. The trail can get "rooty" (exposed roots) so a hiking stick may be helpful.
There are NO restroom facilities at the meeting point or on the trail.
SHUTTLE: We may rely on participants to volunteer their vehicles to shuttle hikers to the starting point.
CARPOOL: Please post a comment if you wish to carpool.
LUNCH (optional)
For those interested, we can grab lunch after.
