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Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee_SF_location_map

Acreage: 164,073
Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Pasco, Sumter

Recreation and Amenities

Trails: Hiking, biking, horse, off-highway vehicle and birding

Recreation Reservations and Fees : Visit  State Forest Camping, Day-use and OHV Passes or call 1-877-879-3859.

Water: Boat ramp, canoe launch, dock and fishing

Other:

  • Hunting, nature study, restrooms, showers, pavilions, picnic tables, grills, stables and dining halls. Pavilions and dining halls require reservations. 
  • Leashed pets allowed unless otherwise posted. Contact the visitor center for specific information at (352) 797-4140.

Program Resources

Maps:

Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the state forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our state forest map, which is georeferenced.

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The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the forest.

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Withlacoochee State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Contact Us

(352) 797-4140
Email Withlacoochee State Forest

Florida Forest Service
Withlacoochee State Forest 
Visitor Center
15003 Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601-4201

Visitor Center Hours: Monday–Friday, except holidays: 
8 a.m.–noon & 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 
Hours may change without notice. Please call ahead if you plan to stop by.

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Follow Florida Forest Service on:

           
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Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee State Forest is currently the third largest state forest in Florida and is divided into several distinct tracts of land. Using sound ecosystem management, the Florida Forest Service provides for multiple use of the forest resources. The forest is managed for timber, wildlife, ecological restoration and outdoor recreation.

Withlacoochee State Forest was acquired by the federal government from private landowners between 1936 and 1939 under the provisions of the U.S. Land Resettlement Administration. The U.S. Forest Service managed the property until a lease-purchase agreement transferred the property to the Florida Board of Forestry in 1958.

Location

Withlacoochee State Forest's location provides convenient access for many visitors since it is within two hours driving time from Cape Canaveral, Orlando and several other points of interest. The state forest is located in west central Florida with headquarters located on U.S. Highway 41 approximately seven miles north of the town of Brooksville and 50 miles north of Tampa.

Map of Withlacoochee State Forest


withlacoochee-small-web-map

View Large Map [ pdf 2 MB ]

Map with Trailhead Locations   


Location map of the tracts in Withlacoochee State Forest. Link to map of Homosassa tract on Withlacoochee State Forest Link to map of Citrus and the headquarters tracts on Withlacoochee State Forest Link to map of the Two-mile Prairie tract on Withlacoochee State Forest Link to map of the jumper Creek tract on Withlacoochee State Forest Link to map of the Croom tract on Withlacoochee State Forest Link to map of the Richloam tract on Withlacoochee State Forest  

Natural Features

WSF_sandhill cranes

Sandhill crane

Withlacoochee is an Indian word meaning "crooked river," which accurately describes the river as it makes its 70-mile journey from the Green Swamp in northern Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown. Withlacoochee State Forest has several waterways that flow through different portions of the property. The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. The most notable is the Withlacoochee River, which meanders through 13 miles of the forest.

Trees of many species create dense woodlands and canopy trails. Species found on the forest include slash pine, longleaf pine, pond cypress, bald cypress, oak, maple, southern magnolia, gum and hickory. Springtime forest visitors will be delighted with the colorful abundance of wildflowers. Flower varieties such as goldenrod, thistle and blazing star can be found along state forest roadways. 

Wildlife is abundant and there are a number of species that are listed as endangered, threatened or species of special concern. Bald eagle, fox squirrel and gopher tortoise may be seen, along with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, rabbit and gray squirrel.

Recreation

320-withlacoochee-horseback-riding

Visit the Recreation Page for Withlacoochee State Forest.

Named one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America" by the World Wildlife Fund, Withlacoochee State Forest is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. Activities include miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and canoeing.

Seasonal hunting is available in most of the forest, and fishing is plentiful on Withlacoochee’s many lakes and waterways.

Several campgrounds are available and feature developed and primitive campsites. The forest also has group camps for organized youth group excursions. 

Croom Motorcycle Area provides 2,600 acres of off-road facilities for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Several day-use facilities are located on the forest and provide areas for picnicking and wildlife viewing.

 The Withlacoochee State Forest Visitor Center is open daily for visitors to obtain brochures and maps. Contact us for:

  •  Trail brochures
  •  Current trail conditions
  •  Trail closures during hunt seasons, special events, prescribed burns, flooding, etc.
  •  Contact information for trail groups offering guided tours of trails

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all state forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.

Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee State Forest

Withlacoochee_SF_location_map

Acreage: 164,073
Counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Pasco, Sumter

Recreation and Amenities

Trails: Hiking, biking, horse, off-highway vehicle and birding

Recreation Reservations and Fees : Visit  State Forest Camping, Day-use and OHV Passes or call 1-877-879-3859.

Water: Boat ramp, canoe launch, dock and fishing

Other:

  • Hunting, nature study, restrooms, showers, pavilions, picnic tables, grills, stables and dining halls. Pavilions and dining halls require reservations. 
  • Leashed pets allowed unless otherwise posted. Contact the visitor center for specific information at (352) 797-4140.

Program Resources

Maps:

Smart device mapping is possible and encouraged in the state forests. Before visiting a forest, search for “PDF Maps” in the app store to find an app that works for you and download our state forest map, which is georeferenced.

Fl_NationalScenic%20Trail.gif

The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the forest.

gfbtlogosm.gif

Withlacoochee State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Contact Us

(352) 797-4140
Email Withlacoochee State Forest

Florida Forest Service
Withlacoochee State Forest 
Visitor Center
15003 Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601-4201

Visitor Center Hours: Monday–Friday, except holidays: 
8 a.m.–noon & 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 
Hours may change without notice. Please call ahead if you plan to stop by.

Florida Forest Service Logo

Follow Florida Forest Service on:

           
SF_80_Logo_ForWeb_Final.png

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