Withlacoochee
River Canoe Trail
The
Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail is officially designated as
part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails.
The river flows out of the Green Swamp in west central Florida.
The trail twists and bends through the sandhill area as it
moves northwest. Hardwood forests with an understory of cabbage
palm and saw palmetto border the river. Further downstream
the hills disappear as you paddle through lush swampland with
cypress, gum and maple adorned with air plants. The overhanging
limbs form a lacy canopy. Much of the trail flows through
the Withlacoochee State Forest, but there are scattered residential
areas along the river. The variety of habitats offers opportunities
for nature study. Wildlife is abundant along the river. Deer,
turkey, otter and alligator are common. Wood duck, wood stork,
white ibis and anhinga can also be seen along the trail. The
takeout is at the bridge on US 41 before Lake Rousseau. Camping
is available at Silver Lake Recreation Area.
Click here
for a printer-friendly map and description (PDF 411 kb). |
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Activities |
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Counties:
Hernando, Citrus, Pasco, Marion, Sumter
Mileage:
83
Skill
Level: Beginner
Difficulty:
Easy to moderate
Usual
Current: Average (2-3 mph)
Notes
and Precautions
During dry seasons, you may encounter logs or hyacinth jams
that require portaging. Be cautious of submerged stumps, especially
during low water. Observe posted and no trespassing signs
on the lower part of the river.
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continued below—
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Access
- Coulter
Hammock Recreation Area – From US 301, west of Lacoochee,
take SR 575 east to Durden Road turn right, go to next stop sign
which is Coit Road and turn left. Follow this road 2.5 miles to
the river at recreation area.
- SR
575 Bridge – 1.2 miles northeast of Lacoochee. (2 miles)
- US
301 Bridge – 1.2 miles north of Trilacoochee. (2 miles)
- US
98 Bridge – .07 mile north of Trilby. (2 miles)
- SR
50 Bridge – Twelve miles east of Brooksville. (6 miles)
- Silver
Lake Recreation Area – From Brooksville, take SR 50 east
one mile to first traffic light, turn left (north). Follow this
road (Rital-Croom Road) 3.4 miles to recreation area. (7 miles)
- SR
476 Bridge – .25 mile east of Nobleton. (9 miles)
- SR
48 Bridge – 8 miles west of I-75, west of Bushnell. (9 miles)
- Carlson
Landing – From intersection of SR 44 / CR 470, take CR 470
south for approximately 2 miles. Turn right (west) for a little
less than .5 mile. At Gator Lodge, turn right (west) and continue
to ramp. (11 miles)
- SR
44 Bridge – At Rutland, about 6.5 miles east of Inverness.
(4 miles)
- SR
581 Ramp – From Inverness take US 41 to CR 581 (Ella Avenue).
Follow this 7 miles to boat ramp. (6 miles)
- SR
200 Bridge – From Hernando take SR 200 north for 6.5 miles
to wayside park. (10 miles)
- US
41 Bridge – At Dunnellon wayside park. (15 miles)There may
be access points (both public and private) in addition to those
listed here.
Please
remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
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