Along the western banks of the Withlacoochee River north of downtown Inverness, Potts Preserve protects over 8,500 acres of land within the river’s watershed.
Not only providing habitat for numerous species, its open wetlands aid in replenishing the aquifer.
Ancient oakIn addition to a robust trail system, the property offers a primitive campground and a hike-in backpacker’s campsite.
Built and maintained by the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, the trails can be tricky to follow.
Orange blazeOrange blazes generally mark the main route. Some of the paths have been torn up by firebreaks, and in some sections, trail markers are few and far between.
The most accurate trail guide is the georeferenced map on the water management district website, which can use the GPS on a phone to show location in real time.
Hardwood hammockResources
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Overview
Location: Inverness
Length: 12.2 miles
Trailhead: 28.906556, -82.278861
Address: 2988 North Hooty Point, Inverness
Fees: Free
Restrooms: Vault toilet at campground
Land manager: Southwest Florida Water Management District
Phone: 352-796-7211
Open 30 minutes prior to sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Leashed dogs welcome.
Seasonal hunting occurs throughout this property. Check ahead before you make plans for outdoor recreation.
The drive up campsite must be reserved online, backcountry camping is first come, first served.
Directions
From the intersection of US 41 and W Main St in Inverness, head north on US 41 for 0.2 miles, before turning right onto W Dampier St. In less than 0.1 mile, turn left onto Ella Ave, continuing for 0.4 miles before making a slight right onto E Turner Camp Rd. In 6.3 miles, make a slight left onto N Hooty Point Rd, and the parking area will be on the left side of the road in 0.2 mile.
Hike
Starting at the trailhead near the front gate, walk about 100 feet down the main access road, looking for a narrow pathway branching off into the woods on the left.
Orange blazes lead the way as the trail winds through a shaded forest of mixed hardwoods, cabbage palms, and pines.
Palm and oak hammockAt 0.9 miles, the trail takes a sharp turn to the east, crossing a muddy section on a bridge before tracing alongside the edge of a basin marsh.
Signage and blazes get a little confusing around the 1.5 mile mark. To stay on the big loop, follow orange markers to the west after a short distance along a grassy forest road.
Muddy crossingWandering deeper into the preserve, the pathway weaves between prairie ponds in an open pine flatwoods community that slowly transitions to a jungle-like mesic hammock.
Reaching an access road at 3.1 miles, turn right to follow a wide pathway towards the northwestern corner of the loop.
Pine flatwoodsWildflowers flank the trail along a straight drive that makes a gradual climb out of the lowlands, traversing hilly scrub and scrubby flatwoods.
At 5.8 miles, turn right onto a blue blazed side path, being sure not to follow orange blazes any further where firebreaks have made the trail very rough to hike on.
Section along the access roadStay to the right at the next junction in less than half a mile, rejoining the orange blazed trail as it enters a dense canopy once again.
Take your time picking through this floodplain forest as vegetation is so thick in spots that the next blaze can be difficult to find.
Floodplain jungleNear the 8 mile mark, a side spur leads to an inviting backcountry campsite a short distance from the river.
If the water level is low enough, you can walk past the campsite for a few hundred feet all the way to the cypress lined riverbank.
Primitive campsiteMeandering across a lush landscape under the thick cover of hickory, magnolia, and majestic live oaks, continue straight through a junction with the yellow trail at marker 11.
Stick with the orange blazes to remain on the path as the route continues southward, opening to a field alongside the Withlacoochee River at 11.4 miles.
Trail marker 11Several picnic tables and fire rings for the primitive campground sit on a bend in the river, overlooking slow flowing tannic water.
On the far side of the clearing, follow the dirt road as it winds past a covered pavilion and information kiosk, returning to the trailhead at 12.2 miles.
Drive up campsite on the waterTrail Map
Explore More!
Video
Hiking Potts Preserve
Nearby Adventures
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. 
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
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.
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