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.
Recreation
In 1999, the Withlacoochee State Forest was ranked #1 on the World Wildlife Funds "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. The Croom Motorcycle Area provides a developed campground and 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle (ATVs) enthusiasts.
Nearby
Attractions/Theme Parks Central Florida major theme parks located within 1-2 hour drive time Busch Gardens Sea World Walt Disney World County/State/National Parks Preserves and Refuges Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Chinsegut Conservation Center Cross Florida Greenway Crystal River Archaeological State Park Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Dade Battlefield State Park Fort Cooper State Park Hillsborough River State Park Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Rainbow River State Park Three Sisters Springs and Monkey Island Weeki Wachee Springs State Park/Buccaneer Bay Withlacoochee State Trail Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historical State Park