Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Dade City
Established west of the vast Green Swamp, Dade City has deep roots in the timber and citrus industries. It provides an easy gateway to hikes within the Green Swamp and Withlacoochee State Forest.
The Green Swamp is not a swamp like the Everglades but a mosaic of pine flatwoods and cypress strands where the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough, Peace, and Ocklawaha Rivers arise.
The Western Corridor of the Florida Trail follows the east side of the Withlacoochee River to the east of town, with access points at River Rd, CR 471, and Lacoochee.
Just a few miles north of downtown is the southern terminus of the Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida’s oldest rail trails.
It spans 48 miles north through four counties to reach the riverside community of Dunnellon.
Home to the Pioneer Florida Museum, Dade City has a robust Old Florida downtown with long-standing restaurants and cafes like Lunch on Limoges and Kokopelli.
Lodgings include an expansive campground at Withlacoochee River Park, a popular destination for day hiking, as well as camping at Colt Creek State Park and in Withlacoochee State Forest in Ridge Manor.
There are also chain hotels south of downtown along US 301.
Trails and Parks near Dade City
Colt Creek Flatwoods Trail Miles of beautifully managed pine forests and cypress domes are on display alongside large areas of habitat restoration on the Colt Creek State Park Flatwoods Trail. 
Colt Creek State Park For a getaway from the busy bustle of the Interstate 4 corridor between Lakeland and Tampa, wander an extensive trail system and camp beneath the twinkling stars at Colt Creek State Park.
Colt Creek Yellow Trail At the south end of Colt Creek State Park, the Yellow Trail circumnavigates mesic flatwoods and cypress domes surrounding a primitive group campground. 
Croom River Trail Loop Using the Florida Trail and the Blue Loop Trail, hikers can explore a picturesque corner of Withlacoochee State Forest in Ridge Manor along a 3.9-mile loop. 
Florida Trail, Croom River Trail A pleasant ramble on bluffs above the Withlacoochee River, the Croom River Trail segment of the Florida Trail tunnels through oak hammocks and slips around cypress swamps along its 6.3-mile journey.
Florida Trail, Cypress Lakes Preserve At Cypress Lakes Preserve, a 1.7-mile segment of the Florida Trail follows the edge of a series of cypress-lined lakes where ancient trees have survived the ages.
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West Traversing scenic oak hammock, sandhills, and pine flatwood habitats, the southernmost six miles of the Florida Trail in Green Swamp West offers spectacular day hike and backpacking experiences. 
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West to Richloam Weaving across rolling sandhills and along the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee River, the River Road to Richloam Loop section is an exceptionally scenic destination along the western corridor of the Florida Trail. 
Florida Trail, Western Corridor Linking Withlacoochee State Forest and the Cross Florida Greenway, the 241 mile Western Corridor of the Florida Trail accesses wild spaces between Tampa and Ocala. 
Fort Foster State Historic Site Part of Hillsborough River State Park, Fort Foster State Historic Site takes you back to the era of Florida's earliest pioneer settlers and their clashes with the native Seminoles.
Gator Creek Reserve A dip into a corner of the Green Swamp, Gator Creek Preserve north of Lakeland offers over 3 miles of easy loop trails for the whole family to explore.
Hillsborough River Hiking Trails One of Tampa's oldest parks, Hillsborough River State Park has a 5.8-mile trail system as its centerpiece, through old-growth forest and along river rapids.
Hillsborough River State Park With footpaths and picnic grounds built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park delights with miles of scenic trails, a swinging bridge, and the froth of river rapids.
Mac Lake Nature Trail An easy excursion into a dense hardwood forest along a natural floodplain, the Mac Lake Nature Trail at Colt Creek State Park is an interpretive walk in the woods
Oak Ridge Tract A mosaic of cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and sandhills, the Oak Ridge Tract of Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers immersive day hiking with many route options.
Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail Following the north side of a blackwater river toward its headwaters, the Upper Hillsborough River Hiking Trail meanders though pine flatwoods, shady hammocks, and forested wetlands. 
Withlacoochee River Park With two different trails - gentle and wild - showing off the park's natural features, Withlacoochee River Park is a popular overnight camping destination.
Withlacoochee State Forest With more than 155,000 acres spread over several counties, Withlacoochee State Forest is Florida’s second largest state forest, and arguably the most popular for outdoor recreation
Withlacoochee State Trail Tracing 44 miles of railroad history down forested corridors, past big lakes and city parks, and through quaint communities, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one sweet rideArticles
The new 50 Hikes in Central Florida (10/5/2018) We launched a new full-color edition of 50 Hikes in Central Florida at the National Trails Festival in Deland the first weekend of October. Take a peek inside.
Pasco County Bug Jam (11/13/2014) At the 2014 Pasco County Bug Jam, we spent hours walking up and down the rows of vintage VWs. This year's event was bigger and better than before, with lots of dune buggies on display.