OKEECHOBEE, FL — Since 1992, the 109-mile Florida Trail circuit walk known as the Big O Hike has pumped tourism dollars into small towns aaround the lake while encouraging hiking for fitness, drawing visitors from as far away as Ontario and California. For nine days participants walk from 9.3 to 14.7 miles, starting at sunrise and ending at their leisure, usually before noon. Although flat and open, the trail offers outstanding scenic views, especially at sunrise and sunset. The hike passes through five counties around Lake Okeechobee where hikers experience the quiet side of South Florida.
As one of the Florida Trail Gateway Communities, Pahokee is an ideal kickoff point for the Big O Hike. Learn more, including details of stops along the way at http://lox.floridatrail.org/bigo/
On November 22, hikers gathered at the Pahokee Marina to kick off the 17th Annual Big O Hike. Learn more at Lox.floridatrail.org/bigo