Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Exploring Inverness
It’s all about the Withlacoochee in Inverness. This north-flowing river rises from the Green Swamp and makes its way lazily through the Wahoo Swamp into the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes.
Inverness sits along its western shore, where the Withlacoochee State Trail, one of Florida’s long bicycle trails, goes whizzing right through town. Small parks provide waterfront access for visitors.
On the western side of Inverness, the Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest protects a landscape worth hiking, hilly and rocky and riddled with caves.
The Citrus Hiking Trail loops it. At 43 miles it’s the longest backpacking loop in Florida on a single piece of public land.
It’s also part of the Florida Trail, which comes right into town from the forest and meanders through Whispering Pines Park before it joins the Withlacoochee State Trail towards Dunnellon.
Trails and Parks Around Inverness
Annutteliga Hammock Trail Explore fascinating karst topography with exposed limestone under a shady canopy in the Withlacoochee State Forest, passing a primitive camping area along this 4.8 mile loop.
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.
Citrus Hiking Trail 39.1 miles. Savor a rugged hike through rolling hills and rocky terrain on one of Florida's longest backpacking loops when you take on the Citrus Hiking Trail near Inverness
Citrus Loop D The southernmost of four loop trails in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, Loop D showcases rocky limestone karst and rolling sandhill forests.
Cooter Pond Park In downtown Inverness, Cooter Pond Park is a great place for birding and watching the turtles beneath the extensive boardwalk over the pond. 
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park The Second Seminole War sparked amid the longleaf pines in these woods near Bushnell, where Federal troops and Seminole warriors met on December 28, 1835. 
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 Cooper Hiking Trails Follow in the footsteps of soldiers in the Second Seminole War through the forests along Lake Holathlikaha at Fort Cooper State Park in Inverness.
Fort Cooper State Park Protecting woodlands and marshes around Lake Holathlikaha, Fort Cooper State Park preserves an important chapter of the Second Seminole War. An annual re-enactment relives the battle. 
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park A former roadside attraction at the source of the Homosassa River, this Florida State Park showcases native Florida wildlife.
Potts Preserve Span a scenic jungle of shady hammocks, floodplain forests, pine flatwoods, and scrub habitats on a trail system created and maintained by Florida Trail Association volunteers.
Whispering Pines Park At Whispering Pines Park, a network of nature trails explores a densely wooded family-friendly city park with racketball courts, disc golf, a public pool, splash pad, and more. 
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 rideRelated Articles
Withlacoochee State Forest Land Swap a Bad Idea (9/9/2024) Plans to let a golf course development expand into Annutteliga Hammock, part of a conservation corridor across Citrus and Hernando counties, strikes a sour note. 
Beneath the Withlacoochee (1/13/2018) Way down under the Withlacoochee State Forest, there's a whole other world waiting to be explored in its caves.