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 enjom ...

Hunter Springs is a hidden jewel found in Crystal River. The small park has a Pavilion, picnic areas w/BBQ grills, play area for the kids and a boardwalk that you can look down into the clear water of the Crystal River. Named for its natural springs, there is swimming from the sandy beach and Kayak launching. The park is open from 8:00a.m. until Sunset. There is paid parking.

Yes there really was an actual Fort located at this site. You can read about the history of the Fort on the kiosks located on the Seminole Heritage Trail. The park is located on Old Floral City Rd in Inverness. As part of the Great Florida Birding Trail it offers self guided trails, perfect for seeing native birds, animals and plants.  Available at the park are picnic areas, playgrounds, canoe rentals for the lake.  You may also rent the lake Lodge for small gatherings. 

Make sure to visit the natural springs located in the Crystal river.  The springs stay at 72 degrees so, in the colder winter months, manatees flock to the springs to stay warm. There are several different ways to view the manatees, you can swim, snorkel or boat to springs.  You can also see them from land. You can just take a trolley from the Three Sisters Springs Center to the refuge and boardwalk. 

An unusual attraction found in Homosassa is Monkey Island.  The Island is located in the Homosassa River.  The Island was created in the 1960’s from a pile of dangerous rocks in the river.  Monkeys were added and allowed to run free on the Island. 
The monkeys were originally at the Wild Life Park just down the river. The monkeys were always escaping their enclosure.  To keep them safe they were moved to the island.  Boats are not allowed to dock on the small island so you can watch them from a safe distance form the shore or the docks.  Don’t worry the monkeys are fed twice a day and taken very good care of.