What we’re about
This group's focus will be to bring outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels from beginners to advanced together to share a multitude of outdoor adventures. We look forward to sharing our passion and knowledge of the great outdoors with future overnight events in backpacking, kayaking and biking trips.
We host Beginner Backpacking Clinics, and are planning quite a few one night to multi night beginner to advanced adventure trips throughout the year.
Our adventures are usually in Florida but we do have a few out-of-state trips planned as well. The cost of trips will be for any out-of-pocket expenses associated with the event. Travel to event locations will be the responsibility of each participant. As well as the necessary equipment and gear to participate in the adventure.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK
Certain risks are inherent in any outdoor activity. Your participation in any event of Outdoor Overnight Adventure Group is your expressed acknowledgement of understanding and acceptance of full responsibility and liability for all and any associated Risk. All members, any participant or guest, agree to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety at all times. As Outdoor Overnight Adventures group cannot ensure the safety of any participants on any of its activities. In participating in an Outdoor Overnight Adventure event, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame Outdoor Overnight Adventures Group, any Organizers, Activity Leader(s) and Volunteers, and its Members, for any accident, injury, or illness which might be sustained from participating in any of its activities. Neither Outdoor Overnight Adventure Group, Organizers, Activity Leaders, nor land managers are in any way liable for any injury or illness you might sustain from participating in any activity with said group.
By joining this group Overnight Outdoor Adventures you agree that you have read, understand and fully agree to the terms of the above stated assumption of Risk. That you understand and confirm by participating in any Outdoor Overnight Adventure is proof of my intention to execute a complete and unconditional WAIVER AND RELEASE of all liability to the full extent of the law.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- 📣📢 Annual Backpacking Clinic, Camp Out & Gear Swap‼️⛺🌳Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City, FL
📣📢 Annual Backpacking Clinic, Camp Out & Gear Swap‼️⛺🎒
🤩👍👏 Are 👉you inspired to go on a grand adventure⁉️ ⛺️🏕
Ready to take the leap from car camping and day hikes to overnight backpacking? Then this event is for you‼️
This Backpacking clinic will provide learning opportunities and information for all skill levels. From individuals with no previous experience to those with many backpacking trips under their belts.
We will have presentations, speakers, hands on opportunities as well as gear displays of backpacking gear and techniques needed to hit the trail for multi day backpacking, section hiking, a through hike or for primitive wilderness camping.
This will be a full day of learning, sharing, and planned activities.
We will Kick off at 9am and be ending about 3:00ish with a lunch break.
*Please bring lunch/drink and a chair. *There is no fee for this event but donations will be accepted at the Meetup to help cover expenses for this event which includes the Pavillion rental.
We plan to have several guest speakers and instructors for the day... Including our very own Appalachian Trail through hiker Teresa G. as our keynote presenter. Teresa had her first backpacking event and clinic with us last year and then took the leap to thru hike the Appalachian trail in the spring of 2024. We look forward to hearing about her journey and completion of thru hiking over 2000 miles.
**We plan to have a variety of backpacking shelters set up including both tents and hammocks. We will also discuss various sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking systems, footwear, map apps and navigation tools, trekking poles, clothing, and other small essentials.
At this time some of the topics that will be discussed and demonstrated:
*How to plan and pack for a successful backpacking adventure
*Proper pack fitting and adjustment
*Fire building, even in inclement weather and safety on the trail
*How to properly hang a bear bag
*Water filtration systems and MORE...
**NOTE**There will also be a camping opportunity for Saturday night.
This park has a canoe launch and miles of beautiful hiking trails.
If you have any extra gear you would like to sell or rehome, bring it along for the gear swap table. Please include your name and price secured to your item.
**NOTE* Campers will need to book their own campsite. You can find the Withlacoochee River Park camping reservation at the link below. They are using a new reservation system and if you encounter problems, you can call the park directly. Phone Number to Park 352-567-0264
https://www.pascocountyfl.net/services/parks_recreation_and_natural_resources/online_reservations_programs_and_classes.phpReservations need to be made for Withlacoochee River Park with Tent camp sites A-E being the closest to the event. As well as Sites 1-15 in the main campground have a bathroom with showers, electricity and water that you can car camp, camper or RV. *NOTE* ONLY Sites 8,9,10,12, & 13 in the main campground allow tent camping.
Restrooms and showers are Available.
*NOTE! Primitive Tent Camp sites 1-8 are a half mile walk from the nearest parking area. You will have to hike/wagon your gear out there. It is primitive with no facilities or potable water.
Please note in the comment section or with your RSVP if attending just Saturday's Clinic or staying to camp through Sunday. *NOTE* If camping you are responsible to make your own camping reservation. See details in the events description above. - 🥾🌳8th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4-Day Backpack Challenge️⛺️🌞Holder Mine Campground, Inverness, FL
📣📢 2025 Florida - Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge⛺️🥾
👋🫵SAVE THE DATES 📢📣Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract
8th Annual Citrus 43 Mile 4 Day Backpack Challenge Feb. 14-17th 2025*MUST READ ALL THE INFO BELOW BEFORE GETTING on the WAITLIST! Getting on the waitlist denotes you will have the necessary gear and be in the physical shape required for the challenge should you be moved to attending.
In posting early we hope it gives some new backpackers a goal to look forward to for 2025. For anyone new to backpacking an overnight trip with a leader of this group in 2024 is required to be considered for next year's event.
*NOTE* Members who have completed a prior 43-mile Challenge are automatically eligible to attend.
**Failure to answer the questions below will eliminate you from consideration to attend.
1- Do you have or plan to have multi day backpacking experience by the challenge date?
2-Already have or agree to have all the necessary gear prior to the challenge date?
3-You agree to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge despite the possibility of inclement weather conditions? 🌞🌨As this is a rain or shine challenge!$$ There is a nonrefundable shared contribution for this 4-day challenge! It is to cover expenses incurred such as camp site fees, water cache, fire wood, trail magic and Sunday's dinner celebration. The per person contribution will be approximately $60- $75 and once determined a link to secure your spot will be provided.
WHAT: Considered a very strenuous 4-day, 3-night 43-mile loop Backpacking challenge! You will backpack for 4 consecutive days to primitive campsites without access to your vehicle!
**Here's a link for a great detailed Trail description of our 43 miles: https://floridahikes.com/citrus-hiking-trail
Day 1 - 12.0 mi - PCZB campsite. AKA-Jackson
Day 2 - 14.0 mi - PCZD campsite. AKA- Taylor
Day 3 - 7.8 mi - Mutual Mine campground
Day 4 - 9.5 mi back to Holder Mine trailhead parking area
It's deemed the -longest backpacking loop in FL. Add rolling sand-hills, descents into sinkholes, and rock-strewn footpaths, and you’ve got one of Florida’s most rugged hikes. Traversing extreme contrasts in habitats, from deeply shaded hardwood forests to long leaf pine, rosemary scrub, and open prairies.
WHEN: Feb. 14th - 17th. *Note* Monday 1/17/25 is a holiday for most. Friday 7:30am start and finish Monday 3:00ish.
WHERE: The hike will start and finish at the Holder Mine trailhead parking area in the Citrus Tract of the of Withlacoochee State Forest. Just look for all the cars and backpacks. Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bn8ZEAWXMi71xPuL6
**This hike is NOT for beginner backpackers or anyone with health limitations! You are responsible for and must be in physical condition to carry all you will need for the duration of the challenge.
Plan to carry food/snacks for the duration of the 4-days. Weather appropriate gear, sleep system, clothes, and shoes. You should be practiced enough with your gear to set up and breakdown under all FL weather conditions. **At this time of year, you could be subjected to hypothermia from freezing rain during a cold front to dehydration and heat stroke from warm weather and high temperatures.
**Note** We shall stay in-between the appointed lead and sweep hiker for the group. This is a group hike with a leader and a sweep, if this does not fit your hiking style, please do not sign up.
***NOTE: All participants are subject to approval or denial to participate in the Citrus Challenge by its group leaders at any time prior to or during. Leaders reserve the right to remove members they feel are not adequately trained or prepared. As well as anyone deemed disruptive to the positive mentality needed to complete this challenge. ***
**All participants will be required to sign a liability release form. Possible risks include Injury from a trip & fall, FL storms, lightning, venomous snakes & spiders, stinging insects, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, insect borne virus and disease, Covid 19, Influenza, & other airborne transmissible conditions. By voluntarily signing up for this adventure you are in agreement to hold harmless any leaders or volunteers of this event and agree to take whatever precautions you deem necessary for your own personal safety and needs for the duration of the event.
Want to see what last year's event was like? Below is a link to JR's annual documentary of the 2024 challenge:
Video link to the 2024 Citrus 43 Mi Backpack Challenge
Please contact your leadership team if you have questions.
Happy Trails,
Your Citrus 43 Backpack Challenge Leaders,
Traci, Bruce, Kathy, JR and Daniel
