Return to Citrus County RECREATION WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST 157,479 Acres Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter Counties Currently the third largest state forest in Forida Withlacoochee State Forest is a mult-use forest resource management area for timber, wildlife, ecological restoration and outdoor recreation.  Headquarters are located on U.S. Highway 41 approximately seven miles north of the town of Brooksville in Hernando County (50 miles North of Tampa). Withlacoochee State Forest Recreation/Visitors Center 15003 Broad Street Brooksville, FL 34601 Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00-Noon & 1:30-4:30 (Except Holidays) (352) 754-6896

The forest has several waterways flowing throughout the property.  The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek are all designated as Outstanding Florida Waters.  The Withlacoochee River  runs through 13 miles of the forest.  "Withlacoochee" means "crooked river" and so accurately describes this 70 mile stretch from the Green Swamp in northern Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Wildlife is abundant and includes species listed  as endangered or threatened. A variety of tree species and wildfowers that produce colorful blossoms add to the ambience of this forest retreat.

Withlacoochee State Forest provides a myriad of outdoor activities with miles and miles of trails available for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding or canoeing.  Campgrounds are available for full-facility, primitive or group camping.  Motorcycle and All-Terrain Vehicles trails are also available. Fishing and hunting during season is allowed. Explore underground caverns and their stalactites and stalagmites.  There are at least four cave entrances along trail 22, three clustered around a huge opening. Caves include Dames (Vandal) Cave, Girl Scout Cave, Blowing Hole, Dog Drop Pit, Peace Cave, Jeep Cave, Falling Rock Cave and Mosquito Cave.