Big O Hike
WHEN IS THE BIG O HIKE?
Thanksgiving week each year. We celebrate 16 years in 2007!
WHAT IS THE BIG O HIKE?
It began simply enough in 1992, when members of the Loxahatchee Chapter invited a couple who’d walked around Lake Okeechobee on the Florida Trail to come and talk about it at a chapter meeting. Members thought about it and said, hey, we can do that too! Eight hikers walked the 109 mile circuit around the lake that year, and a new Florida Trail event was born.
Since then, hundreds of hikers from all across North America have joined in this fun social event, a unique way to section hike a major segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
SEE WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
View a video about the hike on YouTube
HOW IT WORKS
Each of the nine days, hikers day hike anywhere from 9.3 to 14.7 miles, starting at sunrise and completing their walk at their leisure, usually by noon. Shuttles are arranged the night before, cooperatively between participants. The group makes camp at a full service campground, but participants are welcome to stay in motels and join the group for the evening planning session and the morning’s hike.
Socializing is a big draw for many participants, a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. In the evening, hikers enjoy a “Happy Hour” to discuss the day and then head out to explore the many fine restaurants around the lake.
On Thanksgiving, the group enjoys a great dinner at the Clewiston Inn and an entertaining talent show by their fellow hikers. We wrap it up after 9 days, finishing up at the starting point.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
This year’s hike kicks off promptly at 8 AM at the Pahokee Marina, Palm Beach County on Saturday November 17. Sign up in person by arriving early, or in advance.
Detailed information IS NOW AVAILABLE! Get your copy of the Official Guide to the 16th Annual Walk Around the Big O. This guidebook, along with a 2007 hike t-shirt and logistical information about the communities around the lake, is available for a small donation. For information, contact: Paul Cummings 561-963-9906 (cummingssh@juno.com) or Steve Clark 954-792-5386 (steveclarkesq@yahoo.com)