Withlacoochee State Trail links towns, forests, and rail history

The Withlacoochee State Trail gives inland Florida a clear line on the map.

The trail runs through Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties between the Citrus Springs area and Dade City. Florida State Parks lists it as a 47-mile paved rail-trail and part of the Florida Greenways and Trails System. It is also a National Recreation Trail.

For a resident, that means more than a weekend ride. The trail helps connect small downtowns, forest edges, neighborhoods, trailheads, and old rail history. It also gives visitors a way to see a part of Florida that is not centered on sand or theme parks.

Check the trail map before you choose a segment. Look for parking, bathrooms, shade, road crossings, mileage, surface notes, closures, and weather. A long paved trail can still feel very different from one town to the next. Pick the piece that fits the people, bikes, stroller, heat, and daylight you actually have.