Withlacoochee Trail State Park
Click Here is a wide, asphalt-paved trail approximately 47 miles long, that follows much of the course of the Withlacoochee River. The trail is built on the former right-of-way of an abandoned railroad track and spans several counties as it traverses mile after mile of natural lands and riverbanks. Ideal for bicycle touring, the trail also attracts roller blade enthusiasts and equestrians who appreciate the dirt path that parallels the entire trail. On the north end, the Citrus Springs Trailhead provides parking, restrooms, a drinking fountain and maps. From there, riders go generally southward, skirting the lake in Hernando, to the charming town of Inverness. There, the rider can enjoy two lake-side parks with facilities or go off the path for shopping and restaurants. The trail continues southward through Historic Floral City.
On-the-road cycling can be enjoyed along South Pleasant Grove Road (C.R. 581), Stagecoach Trail (C.R. 480) and the internal roadways of housing developments in Citrus Springs, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Citrus Hills and Beverly Hills. Each offers something different: acres of undeveloped land with paved roads, challenging hills and panoramic miles-wide views. The 9-mile Fort Island Trail traverses scenic salt marshes on the way to the beach and fishing pier.
For the adventurous in spirit, off-road biking is available on two Southwest Florida Water Management District tracts: Potts Preserve and Flying Eagle. The St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve offers a 5-mile trail. The trails are unpaved, so primitive biking procedures and precautions should be practiced.
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