It has the Florida ambiance which is missing from many other trails such as the Suncoast Trail that runs along the highway and makes you feel fenced in under the barbed wire overhang. We stopped after other cyclists' gave a good recommendation. Add your bird observations to the Withlacoochee State Forest - Richloam Tract eBird Hotspot. Both pubs had good food and beer. Instead, there's an outside kiosk that offers a pamphlet on the state forest. I walked alone and felt very safe with security people monitoring much of the trail in pickup trucks. There are restrooms and places to eat along the trail near most trailheads. 491 is a very busy crossing with no lights to help. INVERNESS — After being closed for a week, the Withlacoochee State Trail is now officially open. We always stay in Inverness so we can eat at The McLeod Bistro. Don's knowledge and skills have contributed significantly to people’s enjoyment of a well-maintained trail. I used Inverness as a base to launch a north leg and then return the next day to finish off the southern portion. Well maintained, shady, flat and there are amble places for rest stops but was disappointment in the paucity of river views. It was early in June and already fairly warm so it was great that the trail was about 80% shaded. The farther south I went the better it got with the beautiful live oaks draped with Spanish Moss and the palm trees. This part of Florida has the "theme parks" beat by a long shot. Horses aren't allowed on the paved trail. The Ridge Manor Trailhead is about 2 miles east of I-75 on Rt. She was sent down here to a rescue and got off the property only 4 days later. I parked my car in the lot at mile marker 0 and rode to Floral city and back. Can bicycle without much stopping although plenty of benches along trail.Popular parking places are in Inverness, FL at Wallace Brooks Park (Dampier St.) or at N. Apopka Ave. near bicycle shop. My two days on the Withlacoochee surpassed my expectations with a trip through old Florida, small rural communities - all taking advantage of trail users with food and lodging options - and terrific natural areas. Rode from Inverness trailhead south to Floral City and back. They seemed to be patching the trail regularly, however we did see some rough areas on the trail around Hernando, but with a 12 foot wide trail there was room to pass. Enjoy! Inverness FL 34450. I really enjoyed learning about the history of and other information about the trail at the information kiosks. I love hearing the gators croak by the lakes in the evening and the birds singing. a very nice ride but with a small warning.it took us about 3hrs with a few stops at the river and a bike shop in floral city( which had no parking for bikes because they had their own bikes for sale in front of the bike parking).It seemed to be mostly downhill all the way and we were exsausted in the end, so we were unable to backtrack uphill and get to our starting point before dark.had to call the wife to pick us up in Inverness. It may all survive the onslaught of new residential developments spewing out the brainwashed notion of the American Dream, when in fact they destroy the real dream. It is so beautiful and so serene. This trail is part of the Florida Greenways & Trails, rails to trails … Ready to Discover a hidden gem in Central Florida? This one's done right. About 5 minutes after I started a raccoon crossed the trail in fron of me, did not have time to picture it. For purposes other than hunting, dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all times. Although we live less than a mile from the Gen Van Fleet trail, we gladly drive the 60 miles to ride the Withlacoochee trail. There's no town of any kind so plan accordingly if you ride that far. if someone knows, please give some feedback please. 11050 SW 60th Street (Forest Road 13), Webster, FL 33597. The same is also true for the trailhead at Route 50, don't know about the other trailheads. Located in the middle of the Withalacoochee bike trail, this is THE place to stay. She is an experienced tri-athlete and knows her way around a bike. A great ride(s). Situated between Orlando and Tampa, it hosts a steady stream of visitors and locals on its paved path and adjacent equestrian trail. I took a side trip and rode around the town a bit to take in some sights and check out the old court house before turning around to make my way back to my starting point. The rules state this but it seems no-one observes this. Overnight from Dunellon to Silver Lakes to camp, then return the next day. This extension applies to Annual Entrance Passes purchased between March 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. Then, north on a smooth surface to Hernando where we ate delicious fish sandwiches at the Chicken King. There are plenty of places to rest, plenty of places to top off your water bottles and plenty of points of interest. Years ago The Today show aired a travel segment on the trail I never forgot. Tracking a leisurely road bicycle pace, it was about 4.5 hours a day with stops along the way. It seems to change daily. Effective October 6, the portolet at Croom Rital Road will no longer be available (see below for more information). In the mornings and early evenings expect to see deer along this roughly 6-mile stretch. Withlacoochee State Trail Tour. She's now in Withlacoochee Forest (verified sighting) and we need help to get the word out to bikers along the trail she's hanging out around. The trail was wider than Gainesville Hawthorne but not quite wide enough for 2 recumbent bikes + our tandem. Sharing the trail: there were cyclists, walkers, runners and skaters, but as I mentioned above; they were not crowding the trail. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. to the nearest waste can. 23 miles and back. Another 10 more mins, after the snake, an armadillo was on the side of the trail and was not scared of me. Effective October 6, the portolet at Croom Rital Road will no longer be available (see below for more information). It is so pleasant to ride this trail, when you get far enough south you experience a outdoor wonderland with few homes or streets. Slow down and enjoy it. We didn't see any other wildlife but I have heard it's not surprising to a snake or two or even a gator sprawled across or near the trail. Had a great aroma though! Even though it is in town, there are not too many street crossings in this section. In the summer, it can get hot out there! It would be so much nicer if bikers would be courteous and announce themselves when passing. When we pulled into the lot there was a sign saying that parking closed at sunset. Fernandina Beach FL 32034, 4732 Millhopper Road All other park facilities are closed. It was a delight in every way. This is our local trail which we bike on several days per week. Feb 10 we rode from the Central Motel in Inverness 6 miles south to Floral City where we again had strawberry milk shakes at the Ferris Roadside (and trailside) Market. The Withlacoochee trail is in our Top Three Trails to ride in Florida! In Floral City the crossroads is busy, we walked our bikes across the road crossing. This particular trail is all paved at least for the 15 miles we have traversed as well as the off shoot “good neighbor trail”. Withlacoochee River Extended Trail is a 7.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Brooksville, Florida that features a river and is rated as moderate. There seemed to be pretty many drinking fountains. Jim enjoys his job at the Withlacoochee State Trail, and appreciates the beauty of this special place. Stayed in Inverness for a destination weekend a month ago. It's great! UNFORTUNATELY SOMETIME DURING THE WEEK, THE CHICKEN KING HAD A MAJOR FIRE. Couple 13 miles going up and down gradual change in grade Ace hardware store at the time to picture.. Tired of riding near this trail and follow the rules State this but seems... Riders on this trail is beautifully maintained and runs through small towns that lie along the way it.! If there 's an outside kiosk that offers many other outstanding recreational with! 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