Florida Hikes

Hike Bike Paddle Camp Florida with authors Sandra Friend and John Keatley as your guides

Blue river from bluff with blue skies

Withlacoochee River

Hiking, biking, paddling, camping, and other outdoor recreation, public lands, and communities along the Withlacoochee River – the lower one – which flows north from the Green Swamp up through Dade City, Ridge Manor, Nobleton, and Dunnellon, reaching the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown.

Lake Townsen Preserve

Nobleton   5.3 miles

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.

Potts Preserve

Inverness   12.2 miles

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.

Withlacoochee Bay Trail

Crystal River   10.2 miles

Paralleling a completed segment of the ill-conceived Cross Florida Barge Canal, this 5.1 mile paved bike path surprises with hills, overlooks, and a panorama stretching to the Gulf of Mexico.

Withlacoochee River Park

Dade City   6.5 miles

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

Brooksville   miles

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