Withlacoochee State Trail:
Florida
Trail Map
  • Get Personalized Driving Directions!
  • Find Trail Side Shops with Google Search!
  • See Users’ Geocoded Photos!
  • Get a Print-Friendly Map and Get Outdoors!
Description:
Forty-six-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a must-do, pure Florida experience for any trail enthusiast. Situated between Orlando and Tampa, it hosts a steady stream of visitors and locals on its paved path and adjacent equestrian trail.
The Withlacoochee's length, popularity, and proximity to numerous communities have given rise to seven trailheads, information kiosks, colorful murals, and convenient parks. Although the trail makes for a long journey, food and drink are never too far as you travel southbound through Citrus Springs, Inverness, Floral City, Istachatta, and Trilby.
For much of its length, the trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, a state-designated paddling trail. The best place to catch river views and put in your canoe or kayak is at Nobelton Wayside Park, about eight miles south of Floral City. From here the trail crosses the Withlacoochee State Forest and Croom Wildlife Management Area. In the mornings and early evenings expect to see deer along this roughly six-mile stretch. Near the southern boundary, Silver Lake Recreation Area offers year-round camping.
Several miles farther south is the heavily trafficked Ridge Manor trailhead, just off US Highway 98/Route 50. Fortunately, a state-of-the-art overpass leads safely across the congested roadway. There are no further road crossings over the final six miles to Trilby and the Owensboro Junction trailhead.

... Click to read more
Parking & Trail Access:
Directions: To reach the Gulf Junction trailhead from Dunnellon, take US Highway 41 south and turn right on Magenta Drive. Follow Magenta to the marked trailhead on the left.
To reach the South Citrus Springs trailhead, continue south on US Highway 41 to South Citrus Springs Boulevard and head west one block. The trailhead is on the left.
To reach the Inverness trailhead, continue south on US Highway 41 to Inverness and turn left on North Apopka Avenue. The marked trailhead is a few blocks up North Apopka.
To reach the Ridge Manor trailhead, take I-75 to Exit 61 and head east on US Highway 98/Route 50. After about a mile, turn left on Croom Rital Road and look for the trailhead on the right.
To reach the Trilby trailhead, continue east on Route 50 to Route 575/Burwell Road and turn right. The trailhead is a half-mile farther, where the road and trail intersect.
To reach the Owensboro Junction trailhead from Trilby, head south on US Highway 301/98. The trailhead lies just south of town on the right.

Contact:
Withlacoochee State Trail
315 North Apopka Avenue
Inverness, FL 34450
(352) 726-2251
... Click to read more
... Click to read more
Reviews: [2 trail ratings]
[View all reviews for this trail]
[register/login to Submit a Review of this Trail]
Northern section
By timbee on January 01, 2010
I rode this again in mid-Dec '09 starting from the northern end trailhead (which was quite a ways off the main road) to Inverness. Unfortunately, it was cool & rainy so I ended the ride there. A nice segment except for lots of road crossings with traffic. In Hernando you have to cross a busy road & jog around to get back onto it--best to walk your bike here. Maybe next trip I'll be able to finish the southern portion of the trail which seemed to be a little more scenic.
Great Ride
By unogreatdad on December 11, 2009
Most of the trail is through relatively sparsely populated areas with few cross roads, making it a safe and steady ride. With the trail being 46 miles long, a up and back ride takes you just short of a century ride (92 miles). The scenery is great. Slow down and enjoy it.
Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee Citizen's Service Organization
By withlacoochee on January 16, 2009
It was mentioned in one of the items that there was a trail guide available outlining the Withlacoochee State Trail. That is correct, our CSO compiled a book of the 46-mile trail, breaking each section of the trail down into small incriments and not only giving any history known of the area, but also lodging, eating establishments, etc. If anyone is interested in the guide, please contact us at Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, P.O. Box 807, Inverness, FL 34451-0807 or harnage@embarqmail.com. We invite all to enjoy our wonderful trail.

Al
Browse Trails by Activity:
Rest area near mid-point of the trail, Floral City, FL
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Gulf Junction to Owensboro Junction
Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Pasco
Trail Length: 46 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6015678

Related Links
Share this with a friend
Share   Email
 ... Click to read more
Guidebook: Learn more about other Southeast rail-trails in RTC's Southeast Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: January 2007
Find Hotels Near Withlacoochee State Trail
Find Campgrounds
Find Bed & Breakfasts