During Thanksgiving week each year, the Loxahatchee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association hosts the annual Big O Hike, a nine-day, 110 mile walk around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida, celebrating its 20th year in 2011.

On opening day, walkers leave the trailhead at 8 AM and have their choice of a 3-mile “Wimp Walk” (with shuttle back to the trailhead) or walking the full day. For the next eight days, participants are on the trail at dawn and complete their day hike of 10-14 miles by noon or so. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy from our base camp at one of two campgrounds along the lake. Sample local cuisine, see the sights, go fishing, take in a movie, visit the flea markets. But be sure to convene for the 4 PM Happy Hour each day, an opportunity to kick back and get to know your fellow hikers, and join in on group dinners at the best local restaurants- after this many years, we know where to go! 

Participants get together every evening at 7 PM to plan the next day’s logistics, as we work our way around the lake using a cooperative shuttle system. On Thanksgiving Day, join us for our traditional Thanksgiving Buffet and talent show at the historic Clewiston Inn.

Detailed information about the Big O Hike is available annually from the hosting chapter. For a small donation, you can receive The Official Guide to the Annual Walk Around the Big O, plus this years’ commemorative t-shirt and logistical information about places to eat and stay in the area. You are welcome to camp with the group at a negotiated reduced group rate, or you may find your own accommodations nearby.

For more information, contact: Paul Cummings, 561-963-9906