For a dip into the primordial wilderness that envelopes the Withlacoochee River on its northward flow to the Gulf of Mexico, take a short jaunt to Nobleton (Hernando County) for a nature trail that showcases some of the biggest cypresses around.
The trail is entirely in the shade of the floodplain forest – prone to flooding when the river is high – and loops around several sinkholes, including one with this massive cypress in it.
It intersects with the yellow-blazed River Trail in an upland pine forest, a separate 7-plus mile adventure.
Resources
Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy through our links. This helps us provide public information on this website.
Overview
Location: Nobleton
Length: 1.6 mile loop
Trailhead: 28.619750, -82.241083
Fees: $2 per person
Restroom: At the campground
Land manager: Florida Forest Service
Phone: 352-797-4140
Open sunrise to sunset. The trail is part of the Hog Island Recreation Area in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, adjacent to the Hog Island Campground.
Directions
From Nobleton or Bushnell, follow CR 476 to CR 635. A large sign indicates the Withlacoochee State Forest is near. Follow CR 635 into Hog Island Recreation Area. Park at the picnic area on the river. Follow the mustard yellow blazes.
Hike
Starting out from the trailhead kiosk, you come to a fork in the trail at the start of the loop. Keep to the left to walk amid the cypresses along a side channel of the Withlacoochee River along the edge of the river bluff forest.
Benches make for a comfortable stroll, and numbered posts correspond to the interpretive brochure. The trail loops past large sinks into the upland pine forests, crosses the entrance road, and joins the Iron Bridge Trail briefly.
Stay with the mustard-yellow blazes! The trail rounds some more sinkholes before returning back across the road to complete the loop.
Explore More!
Learn more about Withlacoochee State Forest
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 recreationSlideshow
See our photos from Hog Island
Nearby Adventures
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 ride
Lake Townsen Preserve Offering access to the Withlacoochee River and the Withlacoochee State Trail while protecting a swath of environmentally sensitive lands west of Nobleton, Lake Townsen Preserve is the gateway to miles of trails.
Chinsegut Conservation Center Tract Discover the beauty of May's Prairie at the heart of the Chinsegut WEA Conservation Center Tract, a vast wetland where sandhill cranes gather.
Chinsegut Big Pine Tract The Big Pine Tract of Chinsegut WEA protects the southernmost old-growth longleaf pine forest in America, the second largest such tract in Florida.
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026
- Hal Scott Preserve - October 28, 2026
- Tradewinds Park - October 27, 2026