Withlacoochee State Trail:
Florida
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Description:
The 46-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 8 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 6-mile stretch. Near the southern boundary, Silver Lake Recreation Area offers year-round camping.

Several miles farther south is the heavily used Ridge Manor trailhead, just off US 98/SR 50. Fortunately, a state-of-the-art overpass leads safely across the congested roadway.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Gulf Junction trailhead from Dunnellon, take US 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 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 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 98/SR 50. After about 1 mile, turn left on Croom Rital Road and look for the trailhead on the right.

To reach the Trilby trailhead, continue east on SR 50 to SR 575/Burwell Road and turn right. The trailhead is 0.5 mile farther, where the road and trail intersect.

To reach the Owensboro Junction trailhead from Trilby, head south on US 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

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Reviews: [6 trail ratings]
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Very Pleasantly Surprised
By RballRuss in December, 2011
As someone relatively new to cycling, I was invited by friends to go for a ride. We drove to Inverness and started our ride from there. There is a nice park with restroom facilities and ample safe parking. We headed North towards Dunnellon for 16 miles where the trail ends, and then headed back. This Saturday ride in December produced a number of bikers, walkers, and three turtles on the trail. We didn't see any other wildlife but I have heard it's not surprising to a snake or two or even a gator sprawled across or near the trail. Our ride was very leisurely, very straight, and lacked any concerns about hills. I will return and experience the other 30 miles of the trail that lie to the South of Inverness. If you are looking for a peaceful ride amidst the wonders of nature, try this trail!
Top notch trail, top notch people.
By timbee in March, 2011
This was my third time on the Withlacoochee and I finally did it all. The scenery is terrific with all the lush vegetation and bucolic country towns. There are nice rest stops spaced every few miles. The southern end seemed more scenic & peaceful. I met up with the "Withlacoochee Bike Riders" in Inverness which made the riding even better. If you hate hills this is definitely the trail for you. This part of Florida has the "theme parks" beat by a long shot.
Memories of Florida
By rgolding in February, 2011
Traveling to a "Florida Winter Conference", we ventured on to the Withlacoochee Trail because of our Rails-Trails book. Very useful to have for the region you are driving through. The description was good enough to warrant a look and the time to stop driving was right. What a delight. Sunshine, water, and green enveloped us as we adjusted from the frozen north. The Spanish Moss and people not covered in 20 layers is as welcome as the smooth pavement, pleasant smiles and the facilities of the Sun Cycle Center in Inverness, Fl. Highly recommend it. Even recommended it to ourselves and road another 20 miles on our way north. We will visit this place again. Great Golden Corral right down the road for stokin up.
Sunday morning on the With.
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: W. Magenta Dr. nr. W. Delmane Dr. (Citrus Springs) to US 98/301/SR700 (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
Guidebook: Learn more about other Southeast rail-trails in RTC's Southeast Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: January 2007