Along the Nature Coast, Inverness offers an amazing array of hiking, backpacking, and cycling opportunities in the Withlacoochee State Forest and on the Withlacoochee State Trail. Paddlers take to the Withlacoochee River and the many lakes in the region.
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Trails and Parks near Inverness
Chinsegut WEA Big Pine Tract - The southernmost concentration of ancient longleaf pine in America, the Big Pine Tract of Chinsegut WEA is also the second largest contiguous tract of old-growth longleaf pine in Florida.
Chinsegut WEA Nature Center Tract - At Chinsegut WEA, the Nature Center Tract is a birder’s delight. Sandhill cranes are common in May's Prairie, which the loop trail circles for a 2 mile hike.
Citrus Hiking Trail - One of Florida's longest backpacking loops - and the longest within a single piece of public land - the Citrus Hiking Trail offers up to 43 miles of rugged and interesting terrain near Inverness
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 began amid the longleaf pines at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park, where on December 25, 1835, Major Francis Dade left Fort Brooke - located in what would become Tampa -and led his troops north on the military road to Fort King, 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 - Looking for manatees? You'll see them up close at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where families can get up close to Florida wildlife in a natural setting.
Withlacoochee State Trail - Tracing 46 miles of railroad history down forested corridors, past big lakes and city parks, and through quaint communities with restaurants, bicycle shops, and restrooms: the Withlacoochee State Trail is one sweet ride.
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Beneath the Withlacoochee February 13, 2011