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.
Parking and 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,
3100 South Old Floral City Road,
Inveness, Fl 34450,
352-726-0315
Clean, maintained, pleasant...
By
bill10
in
June, 2013
I rode all of the Withlacoochee in each direction over two days. On day one (a weekday) I rode from the Owensboro Trailhead (south of Trilby) to Floral City (exactly 23 miles) and back; on day two I rode from Floral City to the trail end south of Dunellon ...
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Flat, shaded but with few views of the river
By
bthomamd
in
February, 2013
I rode this trail in both directions the 7-9th of February 2013. Well maintained, shady, flat and there are amble places for rest stops but was disappointment in the paucity of river views. The bicycle shops in Inverness and Floral City were not very ...
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Great trail
By
balto
in
November, 2012
I started at the Ridge Manor Trailhead, going north. I did 13 miles going up and then went back to start. About 5 minutes after I started a raccoon crossed the trail in fron of me, did not have time to picture it. Then after aprox another 5 mins a black ...
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