🐻 Backpacking the Florida National Scenic Trail🏕 Ocala National Forest🌳

This will be a two night backpacking trip with a short hike out on day 3.
Day 1: Depart SB on the FNST from Juniper Springs Recreation Area
We'll camp at Buck Lake Group Site. 12.1 miles
Day 2: After a leisurely morning and late start from Buck Lake, head NB. At about 10 miles we'll stop and camp at remote site off trail shown in feature photo. (This is us in Feb. 2024.)
Day 3: We hike out less than 3 miles to Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Buck Lake Group site has pit toilets, The lake can be used for filtering water. There is also a potable hand pump that I have used many times in passing through over the years. I have never camped here. It is non electric.
Buck Lake
This is a beautiful stretch of the Florida Trail. We'll pass through scenic Farles Prairie, one of my favorite sections.

There will be a shared cost for the group site TBD. (probably around $10.00/person)
Each driver is responsible for their own overnight parking fees at Juniper Springs.
This trip is for intermediate level backpackers. Individual consideration will be given. You will be walking 10-12 miles each day with your packweight.
January 10th is the last day of hunting season. Wear blaze orange vest, hat, pack cover, etc please.
Be Bear Aware - proper food storage, keep a clean site, pepper spray, whistle, air horn etc.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING

YOUR RSVP TO ATTEND A "SUNCOAST OUTDOORS " SPONSORED EVENT IS YOUR EXPRESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING AND UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF FULL PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ALL ASSOCIATED RISKS.
Possible risks from participation include, but are not limited to:
Injury from a trip & fall, venomous snakes, stinging insects, venomous spiders, wildlife encounters, heat stroke, hypothermia, noxious vegetation, weather related injury, insect or airborne transmissible virus and disease, smoke inhalation, wildfire, falling trees, drowning