Annual Hike2o/OTL Challenge

Join Us for the Annual Hike₂O/OTL Challenge!

Grab your pack and gather your camping essentials for the Florida Trail Association (FTA) annual Hike₂O/OTL Challenge benefitting the Loxahatchee Chapter. The three-day, 2-night backcountry benefit will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Thursday, February 26, 2026, where participants will join trail experts from the Florida Trail Association – Loxahatchee Chapter as they are guided through some of the most iconic ecosystems of South Florida.

Registered participants will meet at the Everglades Youth Conservation Camp (EYCC) before boarding a complimentary shuttle to the trail heads and begin the challenge. Two groups of participants will hike approximately 30 miles from the ocean and lake trailheads of the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail, connecting back at camp to promote the Florida Trail Association vision of a continuous well-maintained, protected network of hiking trails on public lands that highlight the unique natural, scenic, cultural, and historic places in Florida. Proceeds and funds raised from the Hike₂O event will support the Florida Trail Association .

Each Hike₂O registrant is REQUIRED to attend the *Virtual* Hike₂O Mandatory Orientation Meeting on February xx, 2026 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm. All participants will be responsible for packing and hiking with their own equipment and provisions. Please read the Hike₂O Trail Conditions & Event Details section before committing to this event.

Not able to attend or under 18? Supporters of all ages can still make an impact by matching $1 for each mile hiked, or in any amount you choose. Choose how you can support HERE.

Don’t fall behind the pack! Capacity is limited to 48 thru-hikers, virtual registration is unlimited. Previous hiking and camping experience are strongly suggested for thru-hikers as there will be minimal trail provision. Attendees are required to bring proper equipment as well. Registration starts at $195.00. Participants must be 18 years or older to register for the Hike2o Challenge. *All proceeds will directly support the Florida Trail Association. 

Trail Conditions & Event Details

What to Expect

While beautiful, the Hike₂O Challenge is not an easy undertaking. Campsites are primitive and trail conditions and weather can make the hike challenging. Prior backpacking experience especially in Florida is strongly recommended before attempting to participate in this event. Not sure if you're ready or not? Be sure to register for a virtual information session at the dates below with members of FTA who can help you.

For the Hike₂O Challenge, participants are responsible for their own water, meals and snacks on the trail. You should not rely on the FTA to provide your water, food or any provisions on the trail. For each hikers’ safety, and for the safety of the group, all participants must provide their own tent/shelter and water filtration system. These items will be checked on the morning of Day One and hikers will not be permitted to board the bus to the trailhead without having these items checked off by an event guide. 

What we provide:

• Complimentary parking at EYCC throughout the duration of the event
• Transportation from EYCC to trailheads
• Expert OTL trail guides
• Experienced Florida naturalists
• Nightly camp fires at each camp site (where permitted)
• Daily water drops
• Shower and restroom facilities on Monday afternoon
• Cook-out & Social on Monday afternoon
• Event photos and highlights shared on FTA social media

What We Do NOT Provide:

• Tent/shelter (required)
• Water filtration system (required)
• Water, meals or trail snacks (required)
• Cooking utensils or equipment
• Personal hiking gear
• Flashlight / headlamp
• Protective gear for rain or (sun)shine
• Toiletries
• Bug spray
• Waste disposal areas
• Any items not listed above

The Trail: The Hike₂O Challenge takes participants through some of the best managed natural areas in south Florida and weaves through no less than five iconic ecosystems of Florida. However, hiking in south Florida presents unique challenges and hazards that should be taken seriously. The ecosystems on this beautiful trail change approximately every mile, from ancient sand dunes with scrub oak and sand pine to pine flat woods, palmetto and oak hammocks, cypress swamp and wet prairies.

Wet Conditions: Much of the trail weaves through cypress sloughs and wet prairie, inundating large segments of the trail with ankle – shin-deep water depending on the amount of rainfall leading up to the event. At one point along the trail, hikers may cross a waterway up to waist-deep depth. Moving from wet to dry conditions along the trail is one of the most challenging elements of this hike. It is critical that participants have appropriate footwear and clothing to complete the hike successfully.

Uneven Terrain & Sugarsand: As a ‘backcountry’ trail, there are no paved sections of the trail during the Ocean & Lake Hike₂O Challenge. Large tracts of the trail include hiking in fine sand, known as ‘sugarsand,’ through cypress roots, or ‘knees,’ and slippery mud. Please consider any injuries or sensitivities to uneven terrain before committing to this event. Hiking poles are recommended for hikers that have experience with Florida hiking but prefer extra support.

Wildlife & Prickly Plants: Backpacking and tent camping in south Florida means sharing the trail with Florida wildlife including, but not limited to: snakes, pigs, birds, and alligators in addition to many plants that can easily scratch skin. Participants should come prepared with basic first aid in the event of minor cuts, scratches, blisters, etc., however each hiking group will be staffed with one Certified Wilderness First Responder in the event of emergencies.

Weather: Historic overnight lows have been recorded in the low 30’s while day time highs have been in the mid 80’s. Rain is always possible. This event is rain or shine, so please ensure you check the weather ahead and pack your gear accordingly.

Food & Water: Hikers are responsible for providing all of their own meals, water and equipment for the Hike₂O Challenge. While water drops are planned and coordinated, there is no guarantee that conditions will allow for water drop trail access. There is also no potable water stops along the trail. A water filtration system is required for participation in the Hike₂O Challenge for this reason. Hikers are welcome to pack in as much water as they like so long as their pack does not exceed 40lbs. The suggested weight for an individual pack is approximately 20% of the hiker’s body weight.

Campsites: Camp sites are primitive, meaning there will be no access to bathroom facilities, potable water, or any other typical amenity at a more formal campground. Hikers can expect possible uneven terrain at each campsite depending on conditions. We encourage each hiker to bring a ground tarp for their tent in the event of muddy or wet conditions.

Thank you to our generous Partners and Sponsors:

• Florida Trail Association, Event Host
• Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Conservation Partner and Hike2o Challenge Founder
• FWC's FYCCN Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, Lodging & in-kind Meal Sponsor