Grab your pack and gather your camping essentials for Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Annual Hike₂O Challenge. The 3-day, 2-night backcountry benefit will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 - Sunday, March 3, 2024. Participants will join trail experts from the Florida Trail Association – Loxahatchee Chapter and Loggerhead Marinelife Center staff biologists as they are guided through some of the most iconic ecosystems of South Florida. Along the trail, LMC/FTA will host nightly 'conservation conversations' about Florida's native flora & fauna, with a focus on the importance of water in our lives. Hikers will hike 33 miles on the Ocean to Lake Hiking Trail connecting Lake Okeechobee in the west to the Atlantic Ocean at Hobe Sound.

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 Hike₂O. Those without prior backpacking experience are encouraged to participate in a Hike₂O 1-Day Challenge anytime over the main event weekend. This is an excellent option for individuals to still support Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s marine educational outreach efforts and still receive the Hike₂O Challenge participation t-shirt, certificate of completion and virtual finishers award.

The annual Hike₂O event is a fundraiser for LMC's Oceans of Opportunity initiative, raising funds through hiker registration and event sponsorships.