With more than 155,000 acres spread over several counties, Withlacoochee State Forest is Florida’s second largest state forest. It is one of the most popular destinations in Central Florida for outdoor recreation.
The Western Corridor of the Florida Trail works its way through the Richloam, Croom, and Citrus Tracts of the forest.
Each of these also have recreation areas with their own followings: cycling, camping, hunting, equestrian, off-road motorcycles, and even caving.
Paddlers can enjoy the Withlacoochee River and its tributaries, while backpackers will appreciate the three long loop trails developed long ago by the Florida Trail Association.
Resources
Resources for exploring the area
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Overview
For permits and questions:
Withlacoochee State Forest Visitor Center
15003 Broad Street
Brooksville, Florida 34601
Phone: 352-797-4140
Open 8-12 and 1-4:30, Mon-Fri
Recreation Destinations
Recent Destinations
Croom Loop C
Showcasing elements of a sandhill ecosystem, Loop C in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest offers broad views of varied foliage and wildflowers under a sparse canopy.
Florida Trail, Croom to Chinsegut
4.1 miles. North of Brooksville, two environmental areas and a state forest are paired with a short backwoods roadwalk as an example of conservation within a rural community.
Florida Trail, Green Swamp West to Richloam
Weaving across rolling sandhills and along the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee River, the River Road to Richloam Loop section is an exceptionally scenic destination along the western corridor of the Florida Trail.
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
Good Neighbor Trail
An important link in the Florida Coast to Coast Trail, the Good Neighbor Trail stretches 10.1 miles from downtown Brooksville to the Withlacoochee State Trail
Florida Trail, Croom Hiking Trail
9.8 miles. Traversing rolling landscapes of the Brooksville Ridge, the Croom section of the Florida Trail provides miles of panoramic views within a large area of sandhill habitat.
Explore More
Nearby Adventures
More worth exploring while you’re in this area.
Florida Trail, Cypress Lakes Preserve
At Cypress Lakes Preserve, a 1.7-mile segment of the Florida Trail follows the edge of a series of cypress-lined lakes where ancient trees have survived the ages
Good Neighbor Trail
An important link in the Florida Coast to Coast Trail, the Good Neighbor Trail stretches 10.1 miles from downtown Brooksville to the Withlacoochee State Trail
Chinsegut Conservation Center Tract
Discover the beauty of May’s Prairie at the heart of the Chinsegut Conservation Center Tract
Fickett Hammock Preserve
Delving deep into a hardwood hammock with towering trees, the loop trail at Fickett Hammock Preserve quickly immerses you into a shady forest of botanical beauty.
Maps for Withlacoochee State Forest
Note: Maps are in PDF format and supplied by state agencies.
Citrus Tract | Croom Tract | Homosassa Tract | Jumper Creek Tract | Richloam Tract | Two Mile Prairie Tract | Withlacoochee River Paddling Trail, South
Nearby: Brooksville, Bushnell, Crystal River, Dunnellon, Dade City, Inverness