Return to Hernando Co. RECREATION

WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST CROOM EQUESTRIAN TRAILS Winding through longleaf pine and scrub oak hills, live oak thickets and hardwood hammocks these horse trails are all weather trails.  Ravines, abandoned rock mines and prairies add character to an area already interspersed with creeks and cypress ponds The main equestrian trail covers 18.65 unpaved miles with side and connector trails bringing the total to 34.22 miles.  These trails are well marked with bands and metal signs.  Horses are allowed only on these designated trails and open vehicle roads.

DIRECTIONS: Primary Trailhead (Forest Road 6):  From Brooksville, go North on US 41 to Croom Road (CR 480). Turn right and travel East on Croom Road 2 miles until you see the Tucker Hill fire tower on the right. Parking is on the left. Secondary Trailhead (Forest Road 7):  Located at Twin Pond Hunt Camp, 1 miles North of Soult Road (Forest Road 12). PLEASE CONTACT THE WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST RECREATION/VISITORS CENTER FOR INFORMATION REGARDING HUNTING SEASONS AND CAMPING PERMITS AT (352) 754-6896.

WITHLACOOCHEE STATE TRAIL RAILS TO TRAILS The 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail is the longest rail to trail in Florida and runs from Gulf Junction (near Dunnellon) to Owensboro Junction (between Trilby and Dade City).An unpaved equestrian trail follows along side parts of the paved trail.  There is no fee to use this trail which is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Hernando County Access Ridge Manor Trailhead:  From I-75, take Exit 301 to US 98/50. Traven East approximately 1 mile to Croom Rital Road. Turn left to trailhead. From Brooksville, US 98/50 East to Croom Rital Road, 1 mile past I-75 interchange. Take a left on Croom Rital Road to trailhead. Parking for the trail is located at Townsen Lake Regional Park off CR 476.