Location
The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River, and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, and each meanders through this forest which spans across 5 counties and exceeds 165,000 acres. Withlacoochee is a Native American word meaning "crooked river". This accurately describes the Withlacoochee River as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp, in northern Polk County, to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Complementing the natural water features are the open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and canopied roads and trails. Tree species found on the forest include slash pine, longleaf pine, pond and bald cypress, maple, southern magnolia, hickory, and various species of oak. There is also an abundance of colorful wildflowers during the Autumn, including goldenrod, thistle, and blazing star. These natural features create excellent habitat for bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys, to name a few. For additional information about Withlacoochee State Forest, please Click Here .
Recreation
In 1999, the Withlacoochee State Forest was ranked #1 on the World Wildlife Fund's "10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen in North America". Facilities include many miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, and paddling. Seasonal hunting is available in most of the forest, and fish are plentiful in the many lakes and flowing waterways. Full-facility, primitive, and group camping are available at numerous locations. Many day-use facilities are available on Withlacoochee State Forest for picnicking and wildlife viewing. And, the Croom Motorcycle Area provides a developed campground and 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and ATV enthusiasts. For additional information about Withlacoochee State Forest, please Click Here.
Nearby
Attractions/Theme Parks Central Florida major theme parks (within 1-1 1/2 hour drive time) Professional and college sports stadiums (within 1 hour drive time) Art Galleries Boyett's Grove (Brooksville) Bushnell Motorsports Park Dade City Wild Things Zoo Florida Bass Conservation Center (Webster-south of SR 50) Lowry Park Zoo (Tampa) Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala) Nature Coast Botanical Gardens (Spring Hill) Pioneer Florida Museum (Dade City) Rock Crusher Canyon (outdoor concerts and events) (Crystal River) Tree Top Adventures/Zip Line (several within 1- 2 hour drive time) Webster Farmer's Market Wineries (Clermont, Land o Lakes, Spring Hill, Tarpon Springs, Mt Dora, Eustis, Oxford, Orlando) County/State/National Parks, Preserves and Refuges Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Chinsegut Conservation Center Dade Battlefield State Park Good Neighbor Trail Florida National Cemetery Van Fleet State Trail Weeki Wachee Springs/Buccaneer Bay Withlacoochee State Trail
