A 46-mile paved rail trail in Florida, the Withlacoochee State Trail goes through small towns, the Withlacoochee State Forest and other natural areas. A linear state park, the trail offers a variety of recreational opportunities with parks, river, and lake views. Uses include walking, in-line skating, cycling, fishing, and horseback riding. Food and drink is available in the small towns along the trail. For a taste of "old Florida,"

Floral City to Inverness - 7 miles

Between Floral City and Inverness, the trail passes Fort Cooper State Park. While mostly shaded and away from the road, some portions run next to Hwy 41. However, there is enough space to allow for a line of tall shade trees between the trail and the road. This provides a shadier, more pleasant close-to-road experience than most other roadside trails. The 2 miles south of Inverness Trailhead takes you past two lakeside parks plus another large lake. We very much enjoy this 4 to 5 miles through Inverness. (Reported: Jan. 2011)

Inverness Trailhead, City Parks and Sights

Parking, restrooms, picnic, bike shop. Inverness has scenic lake views and some other intriguing sights, plus shopping, restaurants, accommodations. Park at the Inverness Trailhead near mile marker 30 N, 16 S (look for the red caboose). This is across the road from the old Inverness train depot (now a restaurant) and just north of Liberty andWallace Brooks city parks on the scenic Tsala Apopka chain of lakes.(Latest update: Feb. 2017)

Inverness to Hernando - 5 miles

Parallels Hwy. 41, but mostly divided by a wide buffer. Some unshaded areas, but we were pleasantly surprised at how wooded and shady this section was. Riding north from the Inverness trailhead, you cross a canal joining two lakes. About 1 mile north of the trailhead, you leave Inverness and pass under Hwy 41. Here begins 1.5 miles of pleasant tree canopy before emerging next to Hwy 41, just before Arlington Street. If you ride another 1/2 mile to Independence Hwy, you can gaze upon the only pink elephant on the trail. (OK, see for yourself.) Hernando Trailhead has parking, restrooms, picnicking. (Reported: March 2017)

Hernando to South Citrus Springs - 5.5 miles

Areas of sun, shade. The trail continues to parallel Hwy. 41 with a mostly wide buffer, next to or near the highway, passing through light industrial areas, suburbia and small patches of woods. Central Ridge District Parklinks to the trail and provides parking, restrooms, playing fields. (Reported: March 2017)

South Citrus Springs to Gulf Junction Trailhead - 4.5 miles

Little or no shade. Parallels Hwy 41, then veers through the Citrus Springs subdivision. There are a few more road crossings in this area than most others. (Reported: March 2017)

 information from http://www.bikeflorida.net/withlacoochee_trail.htm