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Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph..
Partly cloudy skies. Low 71F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Cycling enthusiasts travel east along the Withlacoochee Bay Trail in northwest Citrus County. The trail meanders its way along a scenic route between U.S. 19 and the Gulf of Mexico. Several pavilions and rest areas are stationed along the trail making a ride, run or walk more enjoyable.
Citrus County attracts visitors for many reasons. The paved, Withlacoochee State Trail is one of those reasons. Above, a cyclist passes in front of a colorful sign welcoming riders to the Inverness Trail Head. The Withlacoochee Trail is now connected to the Dunnellon Trail by way of a tunnel under U.S. 41.
Covered pavilions offers those utilizing the trail the opportunity to rest in the shade, fish or take in the scenery along the barge canal.
Signage near the trailhead of the Withlacoochee Bay Trail informs users of distances to various parking areas and rest facilities.
A new connector links the Withlacoochee State Trail and the Dunnellon Trail by way of a tunnel under U.S. 41 at County Road 39 in northern Citrus County.
Cycling enthusiasts travel east along the Withlacoochee Bay Trail in northwest Citrus County. The trail meanders its way along a scenic route between U.S. 19 and the Gulf of Mexico. Several pavilions and rest areas are stationed along the trail making a ride, run or walk more enjoyable.
Editor’s Note: This story is part of an occasional series of “staycations” that allow Citrus County residents to spend vacation time locally this summer without the expense of traveling very far.
On a recent Friday morning, Hernando resident Cheryl Jenkins and her daughter, Stephanie Wolff, visiting from Arizona, wanted something to do.
The day was warm but overcast, and they decided it was a great day for bike riding.
So, they grabbed their water bottles and rented a pair of bicycles from Inverness Bicycle & Fitness, strapped on their helmets, and as bike store owner Sherry Bechtel pointed them to the Withlacoochee State Trail, they pedaled off for a day’s adventure.
“We don’t usually ride bikes, but we picked today because it’s a little cloudy out and not as hot,” Jenkins said. “So, we’ll see.”
Bike riding is huge, and Citrus County is a destination for bike riders, especially the Withlacoochee State Trail, Bechtel said.
Citrus County attracts visitors for many reasons. The paved, Withlacoochee State Trail is one of those reasons. Above, a cyclist passes in front of a colorful sign welcoming riders to the Inverness Trail Head. The Withlacoochee Trail is now connected to the Dunnellon Trail by way of a tunnel under U.S. 41.
“We do a lot of rentals,” she said. “This trail is heavily used. And people from all over actually move here because of the bike trail.”
The Withlacoochee State Trail, which runs from Dunnellon to Trilby, is just one of the many places to ride your bicycle, tricycle or recumbent bike this summer.
Looking for something to do here in Citrus County? Consider biking the local trails.
The Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida, 46 miles from Dunnellon to Trilby in Pasco County.
Part of the Florida Greenways and Trail System, this trail has also been designated as a National Recreation Trail.
In Citrus County, the trail can be accessed at a number of places:
Gulf Junction Trailhead, 2246 W. Magenta Drive, Citrus Springs.
There are restrooms, a gazebo with a picnic area, lots of shade, maps, and parking.
Ride about 11 miles south to Hernando where there’s more restrooms and picnic tables. This is a good place to leave the trail for a side trip to Lake Hernando Park across U.S. 41 or even grab a bite to eat at one of the local eateries.
The Inverness Trailhead 6 miles away takes you across the scenic Lake Henderson Trestle, and past the Inverness Depot District, Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks.
Next stop: Fort Cooper State Park, which features miles of trails to ride on and beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Note: There’s a $2 entrance fee to enter the park.
The final stop in Citrus County is Floral City at Orange Avenue with a nearby rest area and places to visit in the town.
The trail continues south and ends at Trilby.
Also, there are several local bike shops along the trail if you need a repair or just have questions about the area and the trail.
The trail is relatively flat and there aren’t too many places with an incline, so it’s comfortable for all skill levels.
Learn more at www. floridastateparks.org/parks -and-trails/withlacoochee -state-trail.
The Withlacoochee Bay Trail, 10201 N. Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River FL 34428.
This 5-mile trail goes from the Felburn Park Trailhead to the Gulf of Mexico along the southern side of the former Cross Florida Barge Canal. After the first 2.5 miles, the trail switches its path to the south side of the berm, created when the canal was excavated. The next 2.5 miles runs through scenic salt marsh habitats and maritime hammocks, trees and shrubs.
Covered pavilions offers those utilizing the trail the opportunity to rest in the shade, fish or take in the scenery along the barge canal.
At the end of the trail there’s a pavilion where, if you time it right, you can watch the sunset.
Also, there are rest areas and interpretive signs highlighting the trail’s historical significance and identifying the local ecology.
Visit www.floridastate parks.org/parks-and-trails/withlacoochee-bay-trail.
Signage near the trailhead of the Withlacoochee Bay Trail informs users of distances to various parking areas and rest facilities.
The recently constructed 13-mile Citrus County section of the Suncoast Trail that parallels the Suncoast Parkway is unofficially open for hiking and biking. It’s now possible to ride from Lecanto north through Hernando and Pasco counties all the way to Tampa at State Road 60, with many stops along the way.
At 68 miles, it’s one of the longest uninterrupted paved paths in Florida.
A popular destination off the trail is the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve, with its beautiful waterways and scenic views, located in Pasco County.
Get more information at www.FloridaGreenways AndTrails.org.
From the corner of Northeast First Avenue and Northeast 11th Street to the corner of Cutler Spur Boulevard/Three Sisters Springs Trail and West Fort Island Trail, the Crosstown Trail, once a historic railroad bed, takes cyclists through the city of Crystal River.
Stop for lunch at one of the city’s many places to eat, or bike to the river or Hunter Springs Park for a swim.
Learn more about things to do in Crystal River at www.crystalriverfl.org.
A new connector links the Withlacoochee State Trail and the Dunnellon Trail by way of a tunnel under U.S. 41 at County Road 39 in northern Citrus County.
For those who want a more challenging and adventurous ride, Citrus County has a number of unpaved trails, which require a more rugged bicycle. If that’s your thing, here are some local places to ride:
Flying Eagle Preserve, 11080 E. Moccasin Slough Road, and Potts Preserve, 2988 N. Hooty Point, both located in Inverness and accessible from Eden Drive/Moccasin Slough Road, are part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Flying Eagle has about 22 miles of multi-use trails that bicyclists can use, and Potts Preserve has about nine.
If you like bird watching, a variety of feathered friends call these two places home.
Note: Bicyclists are required to stay on designated or marked trails.
Visit www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/flying -eagle-preserve or www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ recreation/potts-preserve.
Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness.
In 2011, several local bicyclists approached the Inverness City Council with a dream of a mountain bike trail through Whispering Pines Park, and their dream came true.
A 2.5-mile, one-way, single-track trail around the perimeter of the park offers a challenging ride through forested trees and around twists and turns over fallen leaves and pine needles.
Note: Mountain bikes are heavier than road bikes with thicker tires with deeper grooves and are meant for riding through rougher terrain.
To get to the mountain bike trail from the park entrance on Forest Drive, go to the first stop sign and turn right. The trail is across from the community building.
See what else Whispering Pines Park offers at www.inverness-fl.gov/641/ Whispering-Pines-Park.
Crystal River Preserve State Park, 3266 N. Sailboat Ave, Crystal River.
The 7-mile trail that runs through a variety of habitats, including basin marsh, tidal marsh, pine flatwoods, basin swamps and wet hardwood hammocks, offers rough-riding cyclists the opportunity to experience this 27,000-acre preserve along Crystal River.
Access the trailhead at the corner of State Park Street and Sailboat Avenue, 0.6 miles north of Crystal River Mall on the west side of U.S. 19. Drive west on State Park Street to the last corner to the gravel road; park your vehicle across from gate.
Visit www.floridastate parks.org/parks-and-trails/crystal-river-preserve -state-park.
Nancy Kennedy can be reached at 352-564-2927 or by email at nkennedy@chronicleonline.com.
• Wear a helmet. Florida requires anyone younger than 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Be visible with brightly colored and reflective clothing, especially in the early morning, late at night, or on cloudy days, especially if you go off-trail on public roads.
• Protect yourself from the sun — use sunscreen, especially on the back of your neck, if possible wear long sleeves with breathable fabric and wear sunglasses.
• Pack a lightweight rain poncho for sudden summer showers and keep your eye open for safe shelters when lightning is in the area.
• Carry a tire patch kit at all times and know how to patch your own flat tire.
• Carry a cell phone and your ID for emergencies, also some cash and a credit card.
• Stay hydrated. Bring water or stop at drinking fountains at rest areas.
• Know the bike safety rules for Florida.
Note: When biking the Withlacoochee State Trail, watch for STOP signs that let you know that road traffic has the right of way, even though drivers will often stop to let bicyclists and hikers cross.
Sparky’s Green Rides, 1326 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429. Phone: 844-772-7597. Facebook:www.facebook.com/sparkysrides.
Trek Bicycle Inverness, 322 N Pine Ave., Inverness, FL 34450. Phone: 352-637-5757.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrekBicycleInverness.
Inverness Bicycle & Fitness, 130 N. Pine Ave., Inverness, FL 34450. Phone: 352-637-2453.
Trailside Trikes, 8294 E. Orange Ave., Floral City, FL 34436. Phone: 352-419-4809. Website: https://shop.trailsidetrikes.com.
Select e-bike, 565 U.S. 41, Inverness, FL 34452. Phone: 352-503-7007. Website: https://selecte-bike.com.
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