Withlacoochee State Forest

The Withlacoochee State Forest covers eight distinct land tracts, located near Brooksville, Florida. It creates a vast eco system of plants and animals that is ideal for recreation and wildlife watching.

The forest is the third biggest and provides timber and restoration of the local ecology to preserve its natural diversity and communities. Its three waterways are noted as outstanding places of beauty, its river meandering some thirteen miles through it woodland canopy.

The forest's density makes its sometimes plant covered trail into tunnels of intense beauty where hikers can smell the fragrant woods in the heat of the summer hickory, gum, magnolia, maple, oak, cypress and pine. Colorful wildflowers rest on the forest's floor, lining pathways to nearby roads, where blazing stars and thistles dominate the scenery. Varied wild creatures are often scene by hikers and walkers, more often than not a quick glance from a passing gray fox. Others may catch a glance of squirrels, rabbits, turkeys, deer, tortoises and bald eagles as they flit about.

Voted as one of the coolest places to see in North America, the forest is a recreation paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Long trails encourage horseback riding and cycling. Hunters and fishermen meander along its waterways whilst campers rest at one of many campgrounds after a long day of canoeing. There are also over two thousand acres of fun off-road space for ATVs and motorcyclists. Best of all, visitors can picnic in peaceful forest glades or have a BBQ in one of its designated cooking spots. Even boaters find the forest's small lakes very relaxing.