For enjoying nature, fitness or both, hit the trail
Living in Hernando County provides valuable perks in location alone with its close proximity to the Tampa Bay area. Add acres of protected state parklands and you’ve found a nature enthusiast’s paradise.
As society gets back to nature and fitness, more are taking to nature trails as a way to satisfy both objectives.
From dense, woodsy turf through forest lands to gentler paved trails in lit areas, Hernando County can gratify both cravings.
The Withlacoochee State Trail, fondly nicknamed “Rails to Trails,” spans 46 paved miles, with its northern point butting Citrus Springs, south of Dunnellon, and extending to the Dade City Trailhead at U.S. 301.
Hernando residents can begin the trail at State Road 50, one mile east of I-75. It runs 6 miles south to Trilby and 40 miles north to the Gulf Junction just south of Dade City. It travels through Citrus Springs, Inverness, Floral City, and Istachatta.
Most of the trail is paved except for some parts of the Croom area of the Withlacoochee State Park. Here visitors can get a true hiking experience through different types of natural terrain.
Other hot spots along the trail include the Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail and Fort Cooper State Park, which sits on the beautiful and historic Lake Holathlikaha.
An original railroad track converted to a paved walking trail, Rails to Trails is a popular hot spot for hiking, biking, skating and equestrian trail riding.
Much of the trail parallels the Withlacoochee River, guiding gentle glimpses into the natural abounding beauty. Because the Withlacoochee River is a state-designated paddling tail, several trailheads allow river access for canoes and kayaks.
Nobleton Wayside Park boasts one of the best chances for catching river-inspired entertainment and breathtaking views.
But several trailheads exist along the course: Trilby Trailhead (off C.R. 575), 50 Trailhead at Silver Lake Campground, Townsend Lake Regional Park (off C.R. 476, Desoto Trail Kiosk (off U.S. 41), Wallace Brooks Park in Inverness, South Citrus Springs Trailhead and North Citrus Springs Trailhead.
For residents living farther west, the Suncoast Trail offers another great opportunity for outdoor fitness recreation.
Opened in 2001, the Suncoast Trail is a 41.3-mile paved trail that parallels the Suncoast Parkway and extends through Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. It is a designated part of the Florida Statewide Greenways and Trail Systems.
Visitors walk, jog, and bike on this rolling paved terrain through some of the county’s most secluded and beautiful areas.
Rest stops dot the trail with illustrations of historical significance and transitions between ecological communities and identification of native species.
A main highlight runs adjacent to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey, crossing rivers and creeks like the Anclote and Pithlachascotee.
Barbara Cavanugh of Brooksville is a frequent visitor to Suncoast Trail. She and her two sons, Sean, 23, and Cayden, 17 months, walk at least twice a week. They park their car at the Trailhead at S.R. 50 and walk a distance of about 2 miles.
“It’s clean and safe,” Cavanugh said.
Other trailheads in Hernando County include Crew’s Lake Park (off Shady Hills Road), Anderson Snow Regional Park/Sports Complex (1360 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill), and S.R. 50 at Highfield Road off Grove Road.
