A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER

Harry Mitchell

The Withlacoochee State Trail takes its name from an Indian word meaning "crooked river." As it makes its way south from Citrus Springs to Trilby, the trail seems to lead visitors back through time. The northern trailhead is situated next to a modern, suburban setting while halfway down the trail, visitors have access to small towns that reflect the comfortable lifestyles of some forty years ago. As they approach the southern end of the trail, visitors can drift yet another step back in time in the setting of the quaint, historic town of Trilby.

One of the trail’s most prominent natural features results from its intersection in several locations with the nearby Withlacoochee River’s floodplain, which, along with scenic Lake Henderson and the Tsala-Apopka chain of lakes, attracts many species of birds. As it winds through six distinct natural communities, the WST offers rich opportunities for viewing wildlife. The diverse habitats of upland mixed forests, sand hill and wetland communities are home to gopher tortoises, wild turkeys and other native plant and animal species. Transient wildlife species include bobcats, feral hogs, river otters, deer, squirrels and a great variety of snakes, birds and insects.

Among the recreational highlights near the trail are the unpaved and motorized trails in the Croom area of the Withlacoochee State Forest; the Withlacoochee River (South) Canoe Trail; swimming and camping at Fort Cooper State Park; camping, fishing and boating at Silver Lake in the Withlacoochee State Forest; swimming at Hernando Beach County Park; a fishing pier at Wallace Brooks Parks; picnicking and river access at Nobleton Wayside Park and the Floral Park day use area.

This trail’s Citizen Support Organization (Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee) has renovated a 1920s red caboose as the signature landmark for the Inverness Trailhead and has developed a detailed guide to the trail. To purchase a copy of this guidebook, visit thier website.

GETTING HERE

GET INVOLVED

• For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.

CONCESSIONAIRES

PET POLICY

• Florida State Parks Pet Policy

• Well behaved dogs are allowed on the trail with a maximum six-foot, hand-held leash. Owners are requested to walk their dogs near the edge of the trail for the safety of all trail users.

Florida State Parks Information Center (850) 245-2157
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399