The Withlacoochee State Trail, pronounced with-la-coo-chee, navigates 46 miles of railroad history weaving through cypress swamps and canopied corridors.Soak up that “Old Florida” feel as you traverse through small towns across the route. The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a great place to ride. Today, I am taking you along one of the longest paved and most popular bike trails in the state of Florida. As always, all opinions are our own based on our experience. The North end of the trail is located in Citrus Springs near Dunnellon and extends 46 miles to the south ending in Trilby in Pasco County. We visited during spring break (late March) and the weather was perfect for a bike ride. We started our Withlacoochee adventure at the Inverness Bicycle & Fitness shop in downtown Inverness where the owner Sherry hooked us up with a map and other good information, and helped fit us to bike rentals that best suited our needs. Virtual Biking Trail - Withlacoochee State Trail - … As with most old rail lines there are a minimum of crossings, and only one major four lane crossing between Inverness and Floral City, which at the time of our ride wasn't busy. The entire store smelled of fresh berries! Bring water! - 50.3 mi, +3084 ft. Bike ride in Citrus County, FL. Located in Citrus County on Florida's central gulf coast in an area known for its crystal blue natural springs and manatee population, Inverness sits about 20 miles inland near a chain of freshwater lakes known as the Tsala Apopka (sal-a-POP-ka). I want to live here! Here and there you'll find mileage markers along the trail indicating the distance from Richmond, VA once used by the train engineer - for example R800 means 800 miles to Richmond. Roots Creative and FSC Business Consultants, Edward Jones and Walmart Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, the event is being planned for early 2022 as a joint Bike Florida/CAAM event. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46 mile paved rail-trail. The Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, running for 46 miles on the former Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. It’s another fun Florida trail. Get Ready to Ride!!! I wouldn't describe us as active cyclists who ride 100 miles on a weekend, but we always enjoy cycling when we travel. the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks for the Withlacoochee State Trail. Clearly, cycling and fitness produces some very friendly and relaxed residents, as a wave of the hand produced the same in return and always with a smile. The Tsala Apopla chain of lakes near Inverness, Crystal River, Florida, Old Florida, natural springs, Three Sisters Springs, manatee, wildlife, swim with manatees, Kings Bay, Citrus County, ecotourism, responsible, tours, Central Florida, manatee, Florida, Crystal River, alligators, attraction, Citrus County, Florida State Parks, hippo, Old Florida, Homosassa, panther, swamp, nature, birds, wildlife, Central Florida. Downtown Inverness has plenty of parking for you and your ride. -----------------------------------------------------------. Coney Island Drive Inn, Brooksville Main Street the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks for the Withlacoochee State Trail. I want to live here! The Good Neighbor Trail is a 10 mile stretch of paved trail that connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail, a paved, 46-mile long converted railroad track. We opted to head south toward Floral City along the Tsala Apopka which borders the south leg of the trail. WXJB Radio and Dolan House B&B Typical of rail-trails, there are not a lot of road crossings or driveways, so most of the Withlacoochee State Trail is ideal for all types of biking. Parking, picnic, porta-pottie. Center for Bone and Joint Disease Control, City of Brooksville and Hernando County The Inverness Bike Shop is just two blocks from the Withlacoochee trailhead at the Wallace Brooks Park. ... Life is a beautiful ride on Florida bike trails! The ride is Sunday, October 1, and your registration covers breakfast, lunch, five fully-stocked rest stops, your commemorative T-shirt, and a chance to win great door prizes! #WithlacoocheeStateTrail. This one-day 25-mile bike itinerary is perfect for cyclists of all levels to get a taste of the trail and make stops in some of our unique communities along the way. This was an easy 7-mile jaunt from our start in Inverness. A stop along the Withlacoochee State Trail: The 1865 Duval House in Floral City. Rode from Citrus Springs Florida to Hernando. Horseback riding is also available on a separate trail which parallels portions of the paved trail. And did I mention the strawberries? See registration page on our website for cut-off date. Late fall and early December is a good time to visit with autumn foliage showing russet colors, lush green pastures, and the crystal clear lakes of the Tsala Apopka to the east of the Trail. The Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, Inc., is a not-for-profit, charitable organization as qualified under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Whether you’re exploring Crystal River, Homosassa, or are taking one of those epic Florida road trips around Orlando or Tampa, a stop here is just a short detour. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) stretch of former railroad track managed by the State of Florida, and follows much of the course of the Withlacoochee River. The quiet trail offers some of the most stunning vistas of old Florida marsh, freshwater lakes, cypress swamps, and pasture extending for miles in every direction. Withlacoochee State Forest: Croom Section is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Brooksville, Florida. The trail is great for all skill levels and perfect cycling for families of all ages! The Withlacoochee State Trail — "With-la-COO-chee" — is one of the most popular Florida bike trails. City of Inverness - for the latest on what's happening around town. - 50.3 mi, +3084 ft. Bike ride in Citrus County, FL. Withlacoochee River Bridge to US 41 Trailhead - Mixed shade and sun continues to the trailhead at CR 39 just off US 41 in Citrus Springs. Created with Wix.com, Registration FOR THE 2022 EVENT opens JANUARY 1st 2022, Want to learn more about events happening in, Visit the Brooksville Main Street Website, Made with love at Roots Creative Co. Citrus County Visitors Bureau - 915 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, Florida 34429. The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a great place to ride. This place is a cyclist's dream. A short distance beyond Ferris Groves we reached the town of Floral City with its small eateries, quaint shops, and some historical sites. "Now, what did you say?". As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 4. Historic Shed and Hogan Law The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is a great place to ride. Downtown Losers and Main Street Eatery Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. There are no hills to speak of, just a few slight inclines which a quick gear-shift takes care of nicely. © Copyright 2015-2020 Travlinmad LLC  - All rights reserved. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Withlacoochee State Forest: Croom Section bike trail in … Log In. Among the recreational highlights nearby are the unpaved trails in the Croom area of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the Withlacoochee River (South) Canoe Trail and Fort Cooper State Park.". #LetsRide. As an Airbnb Associate, we earn when you book through Airbnb links. At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest, paved rails to trails in Florida. United States ; Florida (FL ... All reviews floral city state trail central motel bike ride great place to ride bike shop downtown inverness miles paved towns shade bikes restrooms lake forest scenery brooksville deer parts snakes trees. If the outbound ride wasn't scenic enough, the return trip with the angle of the setting sun was pure peacefulness. We ride the South third of the trail from Ridge Manor South to Trilby and North to Floral City. Strewn with nearly as many bike trails as there are bodies of water, the town of Inverness has a distinct cycling culture and the area around it is the kind of place where you can happily get lost for the afternoon on smooth trails. In 1987, CSX Transportation decided to abandon the 47-mile railroad which the state of Florida then purchased for their "rails-to-trails" program in 1989. Especially on very hot days although fountains are being built along the way. In places the trees seem to reach out to each other from both sides of the trail, forming a natural arch canopy. Brooksville Bicycle and Brooksville TV and Repair The Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, Inc., is a not-for-profit, charitable organization as qualified under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The restroom there comes in handy for changing into more comfy clothes and filling water bottles. If you want a trail that’s a little closer to Orlando and Winter Garden, you may want to check out the West Orange Trail. Easy out and back to Inverness with Ann Marie. If you've never had fresh orange juice or an orange straight from the orchard, you have to visit! #RailstoTrailsBikeRide. Getting to Inverness couldn’t be easier. Thank you to VisitCitrus for sponsoring our ride and introducing us to this incredible part of Florida. Longest ride ever! Box 807, Inverness, FL  34451, website of the non-profit Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail. Riders determine their own ride distance. 360 Pro Civil and the Bistro Withlacoochee State Trail: Great Sunday morning bike ride .... - See 212 traveller reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, FL, at Tripadvisor. Come ride any distance up to 100 miles on this beautiful, flat, shady trail. Registration for the 23rd Annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail is now OPEN! Once you get the hang of saying it, it's the kind of trail not easily forgotten. Taking a bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Bike Trail. Created with. Our round-trip ride from Inverness to Floral City (roughly 17 miles) gave us just a short introduction to the Withlacoochee State Trail, and a ride of the Trail's entire length would offer a well-rounded visit to this scenic part of Florida for any activity level or budget. Along the way we passed distance cyclists flying along the trail, recumbent tricycles, people walking, and others like us leisurely enjoying the scenery on a warm sunny afternoon. - See 212 traveller reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, FL, at Tripadvisor. Owners, Sherry and Danny Bechtel. Houses are tucked in here and there scattered along the shoreline, all with fantastic lake views. Much of the trail is through forest with a lovely, shady canopy. You can determine your own ride distance. 16:33. The Florida State Parks describes the Trail this way: "Officially designated as part of the Florida Greenways and Trail System, this State Trail is also a National Recreation Trail® which offers rich opportunities for viewing wildlife and access to many other outstanding recreational opportunities. Florida was a nice change of scenery after a cool winter in Colorado, and the Withlacoochee State Trail was a relaxing change of pace from fun but fast pace at the Disney Resorts near Orlando. The track was converted to a paved recreational trail that's perfect for hiking, biking, and skating, and ideal for all levels of cycling and fitness skill. The surface is asphalt paved and the trail winds through or near several small towns as well as through the City of Inverness. Anthony D Pedonesi Ent Longest ride … ... Withlacoochee State Trail. I didn't realize strawberry season runs so long in Florida - from November through April. Although we live less than a mile from the Gen Van Fleet trail, we gladly drive the 60 miles to ride the Withlacoochee trail. The best in Florida Bike Trails! No written content or photography may be used without express written permission. Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness: See 212 reviews, articles, and 77 photos of Withlacoochee State Trail, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 13 attractions in Inverness. This event isn't possible without the help of our sponsors. Vacation rental next to the Withlacoochee State Trail in Inverness Florida ", Three minutes later she wheeled back around. The Silver Anniversary Rails to Trails Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail is underway! All routes are exclusively on paved rail trails, and helmets are required. You'll also find grapefruit and pomelo and fresh juice and fruit samples too. We own bicycles but their use is more for riding to the beach and sightseeing around our town. Plan your visit to the Withlacoochee State Trail with links to trail maps, places to stay and eat, event info, and local real estate. This makes an interesting stop - some great local history and fresh Florida oranges of all kinds. Find homes under 200K. Sunny + 27 C - 80.7 km, +611 m. Bike ride in Citrus County, FL With a generally flat terrain and many access points, the trail is an ideal venue for all skill and fitness levels of cycling, running, walking and skating. If you’re interested in riding a wonderful bike trail while on vacation in Florida, I highly recommend the Withlacoochee State Trail. ... Withlacoochee State Bike Trail - Duration: ... Joseph Friedrich 1,229 views. The track was converted to a paved recreational trail that's perfect for hiking, biking, and skating, and ideal for … Certificates and medals will be … The best in Florida Bike Trails! There's always something happening here! The trail corridor runs through small towns, ranches and natural areas as it makes its way south from Citrus Springs to Trilby. This part of Citrus County on Florida's Nature Coast on the middle Gulf Coast could sure use a pronunciation guide with its many intriguing Native American names, more than a few ending in 'coochee' or ‘hoochee’. More than anything, the trail was a wonderful change of scenery. Withlacoochee State Trail, Inverness: Address, Phone Number, Withlacoochee State Trail Reviews: 5/5. Optional Century ride is offered with an 8-mile on-trail loop at the south end of the trail. At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida. Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, Inc. - P.O. She proudly showed us the tricycle she recently switched to after a crash on her two-wheel bicycle left her with a few broken bones. Even so, a gentleman stopped and waved us across. The trail ends another .2 miles at CR39/US 41 and the road route to the Withlacoochee State Trail. Rails to Trails Bike Ride: Sunday 06 October 2019 | Inverness, FL: ... Withlacoochee State Trail Mileage Chart Start Location Rails To Trails-Withlacoochee Inverness Trailhead, 315 N Apopka Ave, 315 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, 34450 . Check back periodically for more information. We are offering a 100 mile century route that will take riders to north Citrus County on the Withlacoochee and return to the start/finish at the Train Depot; A 65 mile half century route that will take riders up past Inverness in Citrus County on the Withlacoochee and return to the start/finish at the Train Depot; A 35 mile route (10 miles to the Withlacoochee + 5 miles on the Withlacoochee and return to the Train Depot); And a 20 mile route (10 miles out to the Withlacoochee and back). We stopped in at the Ferris Fruit Company, one of the oldest fruit stands in Florida, located just off the trail. Withlacoochee State Trail: Bike bike hike - See 212 traveller reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Inverness, FL, at Tripadvisor. Whether you're an avid cyclist or peddling enthusiast, if you haven't yet hit the Withlacoochee State Trail and the other trails around Inverness and Citrus County, start making plans. The surface is asphalt paved and the trail winds through or near several small towns as well as through the City of Inverness. With proper planning, a ride along the trail could include breakfast, lunch, dinner and accommodations. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) stretch of former railroad track managed by the State of Florida, and follows much of the course of the Withlacoochee River. (Photo: David Blasco) The Withlacoochee bike path is a rail trail located in central Florida, beginning about an hour west of Orlando near the tiny town of Trilby and extending north almost to Dunnellon. Welcome to Withlacoochee State Trail. Longest ride ever! The ride was so peaceful and quiet enough to hear the birds serenade us as we passed. Her new tricycle has saved her bad back, she explained, and her special cycling shoes snapped into the "lollipop" pedals so her feet never slip off. Much of the trail is through forest with a lovely, shady canopy. Our introduction to the Trail began in the beautiful central Florida town of Inverness. The Withlacoochee also works its way through a series of small towns along the way, adding to the charm. Longest ride ever! P.O. Inverness Bicycle & Fitness - 130 N. Pine Ave, Inverness, FL 34450. The Annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail has been re-scheduled by Hurricane Irma to March 4, 2018, to give us time to get the trail back in tip-top shape. If you've been on the trail at dawn or dusk lately, you may have heard the loud, clear singing of a Chuck-will's-widow, a sure sign that summer has arrived in the Southeast! Lovely vacation rental next to the Withlacoochee State Trail in Inverness Florida Inverness, FL is about 2/3 of the way along the 46 mile trail … Withlacoochee State Trail: Ride through the REAL Florida! At one point I was so curious about the recumbant tricycles I kept seeing, that I shouted to a woman as she passed us by "How do you like your bike? Currently the Withlacoochee is the longest paved rail-trail in the state and extends through three counties - Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco. Location: Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties Length: 46 miles, paved Main office: 315 N Apopka Ave, Inverness FL 34450-4201 [28.840533,-82.330433]Land Manager: Office of Greenways and Trails You can determine your own ride distance. It was getting late and we wanted to catch the setting sun on the lakes near Inverness, so we headed back up the trail. Beautiful lakes like this are common along the trail A beautiful, albeit HOT, day on the Withlacoochee State Trail. The Withlacoochee trail is in our Top Three Trails to ride in Florida! Withlacoochee Trail Bike Ride Marcia Biggs. Welcome Om and Publix Features Upgrade Route Planner Organizations Find Stories. The surface is asphalt paved and the trail winds through or near several small towns as well as through the City of Inverness. 104. The Good Neighbor Trail is a 10 mile stretch of paved trail that connects to the Withlacoochee State Trail, a paved, 46-mile long converted railroad track. Brooksville Parks and Recreation Much of the trail is through forest with a lovely, shady canopy. Box 1323 Brooksville, FL 34605, Made with love at Roots Creative Co. Was so peaceful and quiet enough to hear the birds serenade us as we passed an Amazon Associate, earn... The birds serenade us as active cyclists who ride 100 miles on this beautiful, flat, trail... Than anything, the Withlacoochee, Inc. - P.O of saying it, 's! Is through forest with a lovely, shady canopy there scattered along trail. 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Copyright 2015-2020 Travlinmad LLC - all rights reserved you 'll also find grapefruit and pomelo and fresh juice fruit! Especially on very HOT days although fountains are being built along the Tsala Apopka borders! As an Amazon Associate, we earn when you book through Airbnb links a lovely, canopy..., shady trail few slight inclines which a quick gear-shift takes care of nicely trail! Portions of the Withlacoochee State trail is one of the trail a,. Copyright 2015-2020 Travlinmad LLC - all rights reserved a gentleman stopped and waved us across makes... Florida, located just off the trail is one of the trail was a wonderful Bike trail Duration! Paved rail-trails in Florida on a separate trail which parallels portions of trail... 46 mile paved rail-trail there comes in handy for withlacoochee state trail bike ride into more comfy and! Trail not easily forgotten Made with love at Roots Creative Co without written... Did you say? `` Duration:... 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