Withlacoochee State Forest
Total Acreage: 157,479
Counties: Citrus, Pasco, Hernando, Sumter |
Withlacoochee State Forest is currently the third
largest state forest in Florida and is divided into
several distinct tracts of land. Using sound ecosystem
management, the Division of Forestry provides for
multiple-use of the forest resources which includes
timber management, wildlife management, ecological
restoration, and outdoor recreation. The size
and diversity of Withlacoochee State Forest provides
visitors with a variety of natural communities,
wildlife and recreation activities to enjoy.
Withlacoochee State Forest was acquired by the
federal government from private landowners between
1936 and 1939 under the provisions of the U.S. Land
Resettlement Administration. The U.S. Forest Service
managed the property until a lease-purchase agreement
transferred the property to the Florida Board of
Forestry in 1958.
Location
Withlacoochee State Forest's location provides
convenient access for many visitors since it is
within two hours driving time from Cape Canaveral,
Orlando, and several other points of interest. The
State Forest is located in west central Florida
with headquarters located on U.S. Highway 41 approximately
seven miles north of the town of Brooksville and
50 miles north of the city of Tampa.
Map with Trailheads Locations:
Natural Features
| Withlacoochee is an Indian word meaning "crooked river" which accurately describes the river as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp in northern Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. |
Withlacoochee State Forest has several waterways
which flow through different portions of the property.
The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River
and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding
Florida Waters. The most notable is the Withlacoochee
River which meanders through 13 miles of the forest.
A variety of tree species create dense woodlands
and canopy trails. Species found on the forest include:
slash pine, longleaf pine, pond cypress, bald cypress
and a mixture of oak, maple, southern magnolia,
gum and hickory. Springtime forest visitors will
be delighted with the colorful blossoms produced
by the abundance of wildflowers. Flower varieties
such as goldenrod, thistle and blazing star can
be found along state forest roadways.
Recreation
Declared as one of the "10 Coolest Places You've
Never Been in North America" by the World Wildlife
Fund, Withlacoochee State Forest has numerous outdoor
recreational opportunities available for everyone.
Over 600,000 people visit the forest annually.
The majority of the land within Withlacoochee State
Forest is included in Florida's Wildlife Management
Area program and offers seasonal hunting opportunities (Visit MyFWC.com/hunting for information.).
Fishing is a popular activity on the Withlacoochee's
waterways where largemouth bass and panfish
are frequently caught. Hunting and fishing on Withlacoochee
State Forest are regulated by the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Contact us for:
- Trail brochures
- Current trail conditions
- Trail closures during hunt seasons,
special events, prescribed burns, flooding, etc.
- Contact information for trail groups
offering guided tours of trails.
In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's
forest resources, the Division of Forestry has developed
rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Read about State Forest Fees and Permits.
