The entire state of Florida is riddled with hidden gems, but if you are a biking aficionado, the Withlacoochee State Trail simply cannot be disguised.
The Withlacoochee State Trail is a non-motorized rail trail that runs from southern Dunnellon southward to Lacoochee along the Withlacoochee River and through the Withlacoochee State Forest and Hernando, Citrus and Pasco Counties. At 46 miles, it’s the longest paved, multi-use (walkers, runners, cyclists, tricyclists, strollers, rollerbladers) trail in Florida.
The route traces the path of 16th century Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and was constructed in the 1880s as the Inverness and Brooksville Railway, connecting to the Florida Northern Railroad in Citrus Springs and the South Florida Railroad in Dade City. For many years, the railroad flourished, but, in 1987, CSX abandoned the stretch. Two years later, the state of Florida bought the abandoned tracks to convert it into a bike path under its “rail-to-trails” program, and the 12-foot wide route opened in 1992.
Trail Highlights
Note: Most trailheads (“rest stops” devoted to entry to or exit from the trail) boast parking, a picnic area, restrooms and water.
Gulf Junction Trailhead
2333 W Magenta Drive, Dunnellon
Mile Marker: 0 S
This northernmost launch point is four miles south of downtown Dunnellon, which boasts notable eateries (Blue Gator, Swampy’s) and quaint, small-town shopping.
South Citrus Springs Trailhead
64 W Citrus Springs Blvd.
Mile Marker: 4.5 S
Unless you’re up for bowling at the nearby Parkview Lanes, keep on pedaling.
Inverness Trailhead
315 N Apopka Ave., Inverness
Mile Marker: 15.8 S
The Inverness post pops up after riding over the Lake Henderson Trestle and is a stopover before Wallace Brooks Park, Cooter Pond Park and the historic Fort Cooper State Park. Although Inverness is just a third of the way through the full trail, it’s a good stopping point. Two-day trippers can bunk overnight at the Central Motel, just a block from the trailhead. If you need a mid-trip snack, walk or bike a half-mile south to downtown Inverness for eats at Coach’s or Little Italy.
Floral City Rest Stop
Mile Marker: 22.8 S
Floral City is the midpoint of the trail. Southward from here, the best nature views arise, so look for wild turkeys, otters, deer, rabbits, turtles and all sizes of birds.
Ridge Manor Trailhead
6410 Croom-Rital Road, Ridge Manor
Mile Marker: 29.8 S
Ridge Manor is where the trail’s railroad roots show, with original cement mileage and whistle markers still standing.
Trilby Trailhead
One mile west of U.S. 98 on Trilby Road, Trilby
Mile Marker: 44.8 S
Not the best choice for an extended stop, with no restaurant of note for five miles in any direction.
Owensboro Junction Trailhead
19755 U.S. HWY 301, Lacoochee
Mile Marker: 46 S
A quiet end to the trail, just two miles from the upper northwest corner of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.
Learn more › For more information on the Withlacoochee Bike Trail, a good place to start is the terrific site from citizen group Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, RTTWST.org.
