Explore the best rated trails in Hernando, FL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Withlacoochee State Trail and Archer Braid Trail . With more than 27 trails covering 312 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I had to add my 2 cents, don’t be discouraged by a previous review talking about steep hills and bumpy pavement in the 5 miles near Gainesville. I rode it in the pre dawn hours and took it really slow so as not to out run my light. Yes there are bumps - I had no issues and my tires are 23s. As far as hills, this path is what we call in the Midwest flat. Maybe some steep hills for Florida, but again not a real issue. Enjoy it - I look forward to riding it again someday!
Rode 5 miles South of Inverness then 5 miles North.South was better but both very nice.
Beautiful trail with bridge views which offers the perfect spot to see gators! After crossing bridge heading north you have swamplands on sides of trail with the traditional live oaks and Spanish moss which is very scenic. Ends with ramp launch into river. This is a very popular trail and very short so it can be crowded with walkers and cyclists. Enjoy!
On Easter, we parked in the Hernando lot and drove south to Floral City, before returning! Scenery ranges from beautiful partially shaded trails, several lakes and waterways, turtles, and alligators. LOTS of potential restaurants for a break (seafood, pizza, ice cream, etc.). We sat on the deck at Stumpknockers (5 blocks off trail) for an horsdoeuvre and bevvy! This portion of the trail was 29 miles round trip. We’ll be back to do the Northern portion!
Pick a cloudy day and maybe a mountain bike. Lots of gators and birds. We started from the green mountain trail head and I would start at one of the other trailheads instead. They spent so much on the trail head that there is no money to maintain the trail and the first two miles are extremely rough.
Very disappointing. Nothing special about the trail itself. the homeless encampment and trash was unsettling. Also many men loitering about. I did not feel safe. So many other nicer places to bike this is just not worth it.
This was nice and level, easy parking at either end, part sun and part shaded (although mostly sun), but you will be passing by a few homeless encampments. No one came out to bother us, but just something to be aware of your surroundings. As an older female rider, I probably wouldn't do this ride again alone. But it was an interesting ride, nonetheless. When we got to the end in downtown Leesburg, there are lots of great places to eat.
The trail is over 6 miles long if you start at the Starkey Park Bike Trailhead. The map on here that starts at Long Leaf is inaccurate. If you started at Long leaf and followed the path it would take you about 5 miles just to get to the park.
The park is free with ample parking and mostly good signage. There is a bathroom and water station at both ends of the nicely paved trail. Be on the lookout for snakes and tortoises on the trail!
Parked at historic train station. Headed east and after a mile or so found the trail is closed by Duke Energy to update electrical poles. Back to the truck, reloaded our bikes and headed to Mondon Hill Road and parked the truck. Took off for Withlacoochee Trail. On the return ride we spotted a fox squirrel, a hawk having dinner, and a free range chicken. Nice ride!
The west end towards Gainesville is quite a bit different than the east end at Hawthorne. The Hawthorne end offers good cycling with a road bike. The Gainesville end not so much. It has a lot of severe tree root damage, sharp curves, and suprisingly steep hills. Once you get thru that in the first 5 miles the trail straightens out and runs parallel to a busy and noisy road. Great.
We rode it 3 times and finally agreed it wasn't worth the effort. With the 2 overlooks onto Paynes Prairie and the Al Lucha trail within the first 3 miles, this end of the trail lends itself to walking or riding an ebike. The ebike negates the hills and would have larger tires that would absorb all the bumpiness.
The east end was rural with fewer people and was more suitable for someone wanting to actually bike.
Agree with all the comments on beauty. No place to buy food or beverages on the trail. Several picnic sites. Only use bottle water dispenser not hoses for water
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