Located just an hour from Tampa and and hour from ocala. Is a rolling agricultural and pristine Florida forest... The withlacoochee river and the withlacoochee state forest as well as the longest continuous road bike path in the state. Withlacoochee state trail the trail is just a short 5 minute ride from our cabin door!!!!
At 46 miles in length, the withlacoochee state trail is presently the longest paved rail trail in Florida. The trail corridor runs through small towns, ranches, and natural areas as it makes its way south from citrus springs to trilby. The trail traverses a region that offers many other outstanding recreational opportunities. Among the recreational highlights nearby are the unpaved trails in the croom area of the withlacoochee state forest, the withlacoochee river (south) canoe trail, and fort cooper state park. The withlacoochee trail will eventually join many other trails in the region, becoming part of the central florida loop.
For the trail bike users there is the croom trail: forest - croom off-road bike trail. This network of single-track forms two loops of 12 and 35 miles.
Actual trail length, including connectors, is over 55 miles. Trails consist of florida uplands, sweeping cross country trails (wooded and open) to abandoned mines and challenging pits and drop-offs. Check kiosks sites for trail maps.
Hiking trails start right from the cabin door... With the withlacoochee state forest trail head just 3 miles from the cabin. For a dip into the primordial wilderness that envelopes the withlacoochee river on its northward flow to the gulf of Mexico, take a short jaunt to nobleton (Hernando county) for a nature trail that showcases some of the biggest cypresses around. The trail is entirely in the shade of the floodplain forest – and loops around several sinkholes, including one with this massive cypress in it. It intersects with the orange-blazed Florida trail in an upland pine forest, a separate 7-plus mile adventure.
A lesser-known part of withlacoochee state forest, the oxbow trail is on the northernmost tract of the forest along the withlacoochee river, the trails and campsites all eagle scout projects. While the easy-to-follow big loop trail is a popular circuit for families and folks taking their dogs on a walk, the tougher-to-follow but more visually satisfying addendum, the oxbow nature trail, makes its way out to the very tip of the peninsula, providing excellent scenic views of the river from a variety of perspectives. Riverside camping is open to individuals and groups who obtain a free permit from the division of forestry.
Kayaking or canoeing the withlacoochee river right from the cabin in our two kayaks made available to renters. Within an hour of orlando and tampa, the withlacoochee river meanders through an unspoiled cypress forest in rural Florida. It ranks as one of Florida's most scenic rivers, and yet, it’s uncrowded and unspoiled. (on a sunny winter weekend when i visited, an 8-mile paddle involved seeing only one canoe. The count for alligators? Four.)
The river, Florida's fourth largest, winds through the withlacoochee state forest, a wild, natural region with many options for picnics and photography .
For the gay or lesbian traveler the sawmill camp ground is just 5 miles from the cabin. Sawmill is the premier gay and lesbian community in the southeast.
Relax at the heated outdoor
Clothing optional pool, experience the tranquility of the spacious grounds, walk around ricki lake with towering cypress trees along the withlacoochie.
Campers dance the night away in woody's nightclub and enjoy shows at the main stage inside the massive courtyard. Enjoy all 3 bars, various themed events, entertainment, daily activities and delicious food 365 days a year!
There are u-pick blueberry farms nearby, horseback riding and weeki wachee resort.... The only city of live mermaids! Is only 25 minutes away...
Buccaneer bay Florida's only spring fed water park!
Enjoy white sandy beach, thrilling flume rides, beach volleyball, lazy river ride, lil' mates cove and much more!!
Please note that only the swimming area at buccaneer bay is open daily (365 days a year). The water slides, lazy river and kiddie pool (Caribbean cove) are seasonal.
