withlacoochee state forest

rosss946

This is a nice state forest to visit while in the area. Take a scenic bike ride or walk on the bike trail-- there's dozens of places you can put in, including a location right off of Cortez Blvd (I-75 exit 301). There's no charge, of course.

frede_rideuse

We went there for 3 days and its was awesome but theres missing some indications. We are from quebec so we really dont know the aeras. I met people from there and follow them to have fun outside the main trail. Theres a big sand pit Where i have fun to hold gaz little bit more.

travelingrm

We have been riding trails in Florida for the past two weeks and this is one of the best. I have never seen a bike trail with a maintenance truck blowing the leaves off the trail. Today we saw the truck cleaning the trail twice. We also,spoke to a volunteer policing the area. It was beautiful with places to picnic and rest. There were short walking trails to the river. There were trees beginning to flower as well as jasmine flowers blooming; lots of palms, Spanish Moss, pine trees. It was a wonderful ride!

Joe_Ursano

I have biked about 60 rails to trails in North America and the Withlacochee is definitely in the top 10 (and perhaps the top 5.)Has pretty well everything you would want in a bike trail -- especially the southern part (more scenic)

SouthernAlways

Beautiful old Florida riding trails. Well marked and easy to get to from our Bushnell B&B just across the street. Once deep into the forest, you can imagine what it was like 100's of years ago. They are doing a good job keeping the trails cleared. Just a few instances of downed branches, as with any forest trail. We rode for at least 2+ hours on gaited horses going at a fast pace so there is lots of riding time out there. Loved it!

CatherineS27

Great place to hike, bike ride or just walk and see nature and get some fresh air. The hiking paths are marked very well. You can even bring your dog hiking with you.

mattspringhill

Trails are easy to follow, just follow the one were the ground is beat down more. Lots of spiders, so watch your step, and ground is slippery. Bring plenty of water with you. Most of the caves are to small to climb into.

MeredithandJoe

We did an evening trail run and had a blast!The only downside to this park, as with any wilderness area in Florida, is that there were Spiders!I had to use my LED lights more to check for spiders than monitor the trail path to keep from running into huge spiderwebs! The Withlacoochee has some Huge spiders and large webs so if that's your thing, I guess that would be a plus. For me, it was just kinda yucky.Regardless of eight-legged creepy crawlers, we had a great time!If you're driving out on Croom Rd towards the Fire tower to park, keep going! It's really far out there! Like 10 miles off the main road.

Travelergirlfrom1972

Great for a day of exploring nature. Just be sure to avoid the areas where the motorcyclists are as they can be dangerous.

Ben_Theretoo406

This forest encloses almost 250 square miles, spanning parts of five different counties. By and large, it is as pristine a natural resource as can be found in the southeastern United States. There are areas primitively developed for recreation, but its true beauty and value to us is the opportunity to meander slowly and silently among the flora and fauna and admire the diversity and robustness of its ecosystem.

203kenc

The best part of hiking alone is being able to control the noise. If you are quite you'll enjoy the breeze through the trees, the flapping of the butterfly wings, the song of the mockingbird, the sound of your own heartbeat and you can't miss the crow call. Actually this forest is one of best kept secrets around. The true naturalist will respect its dignity by cleaning up after themselves and others if need be. When I hike I take along a garage bag as I think GOD is blessing me with the forest experience. Therefore the least I can do is thank HIM and pick up trash if its there. After HE put it there for us. It's my way of saying Thank You.A suggestion...stop by the Ranger Station. Talk to the Ranger and ask where you can find caves. Get a map and take a compass. Never, ever go without a good water supply and a cell phone (just in case). Be a good Scout.

829staceyr

so many trails for hiking and lots of wildlife to see. very beautiful Also a camping site and many creeks, ponds rivers etc

ahop1

For anyone that has horses and is looking a great place to ride in an area that is extremely horse friendly, this is it. Trails are fantastic - most of them are wide enough to ride abreast so you can actually chat with your riding partner. All forested so shady in most areas. Trails are mostly sugar sand with a few areas on forest roads that might be lime rock. We loved it so much that we bought a place right beside the forest. There is so much else to do in the area. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing - I can go on and on. We fell in love with this area.

RonaldR642

Don't look for tourist services here... this forest is about 65,000 acres of semi-wilderness in my back yard..... not crowded, and few trails, but an easy walk as the ground has little elevation changes. You can have the opportunity to spot deer, turkey, coyote, and maybe even a bear....and there is one area that even has a small cave for spelunkers..... ( caution here!) easy access but parking is mostly alongside the road.... and stay out of here during hunting seasons.

MelissaS137

We visited the Croom Motorcycle area for our anniversary in Feb. Beautiful weather. It is a great place to go if you're looking for a campground that is all about 4 wheel/dirtbike riding. The campground is perfectly set up with electric, water, picnic table and fire pit. It was a big area. The trails were great too. There was something for everyone. Wet, sandy, rocks, wood trails, etc. The riding stopped at dark and started back up at sunrise, so you were able to enjoy the quietness of the park and well as the adventure of the riding. Would definitely recommend this park to anyone looking to ride.