As a hiker, you'll enjoy a wide range of choices. You can hike through sandhill, scrub, hardwood hammock, hydric swamp, prairie and marsh. Many trails go through several or all of these land types; all you need is the time and the stamina to follow them.
Whether your trail is short or long, wet or dry, improved or natural, you'll be able to see nature's offerings in Citrus County. Most of Citrus County offers some form of educational path, interpretative nature walk, or hiking trail, each featuring its own unique combination of ecosystems, flora and fauna.
You can combine hiking with a number of other activities, such as bird watching, camping or fishing. Hiking is also versatile in the amount of time you are able to spend... a day, a weekend or longer, depending upon your schedule.
Biking is great exercise and a wonderful way to see a variety of natural settings found in Citrus County. If this is your favorite way to go, you can choose from a cross-country excursion, a meandering scenic day ride or a more primitive off-road track.
The rolling hills of the Central Ridge provide the most challenging bike ride for cross-country cyclists. Roads which lend themselves well to cyclists are S. Pleasant Grove Road (CR 581), Stagecoach Trail (CR 480) and the internal roadways of housing developments in Citrus Springs, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Citrus Hills and Beverly Hills. Each offers something different; acres of undeveloped land with already paved roads, challenging hills, and panoramic miles-wide views.
A popularroute is the recently established Withlacoochee State Trail. Formerly a railroad right-of-way, the 47-mile trail is paved its entire length through Citrus County. Rental bikes and roller blades are available in the downtown Inverness area.
For the adventurous in spirit, off-road biking is available with two Southwest Florida Water Management District tracts: Potts Preserve and Flying Eagle. The trails are unpaved, so primitive biking procedures and precautions should be practiced.
Horseback Riding
Mother Nature made Citrus County 'a natural' when it comes to equestrian activities. Whether you want a day's ride or a full equestrian camping trip, the facilities you need are here. Also, you may trailer your own horse or rent one when you arrive. Whatever your choices, the fun of riding through some of the most beautiful public lands in Citrus County is available to you.
At Tillis Hill, in the Citrus tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, there is a horse stable which accommodates 20 horses, as well as a 37-site camping area. From this campground, you can begin a 14-mile one day trail, or a 24-mile two-day trail.
We recommend you make reservations with the Florida Department of Forestry (352) 796-5650 for use of the horse stables. Trails are available for use at any time.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has established horse trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott's Preserve tracts. Flying Eagle has nine miles of designated equestrian trails (closed during hunting season). Equestrian camping is also allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476.
Potts Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails and even allows horse-drawn buggies by permit. A limited number of horse stalls and overnight camping (no charge) is allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476.
The Withlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile former CSX railroad right-of-way, is the newest addition to horseback riding trails in Citrus County. Plans include interconnection with Fort Cooper State Park for stable and camping opportunities.is presently confined to designated bridle paths. For more information, call 352-394-2280.
