Unbelievable I can't believe this but only 10 months ago we visited a beautiful park and I was excited to take dog back during cool weather. There's no more Park!! It's a trail with a thin line of forest on each side and mass production of houses on either side of the trail and trees. We tried to go off the trail to find more nature but they have destroyed it. The Deep Wound: How Environmental Destruction Harms Human and Animal Healing In the natural world, forests are not just ecosystems--they are sanctuaries for healing and life. When forests are destroyed, the impact ripples beyond what the eye can see. From a trauma EcoTherapy and Shamanic perspective, the loss of these sacred spaces profoundly affects both human and animal well-being, cutting us off from the very source of life and spiritual restoration. Forests as Sacred Healing Spaces For millennia, forests have been places where humans and animals alike retreat to heal. The earth beneath our feet, the ancient trees, and the rhythmic cycles of nature hold a profound wisdom that facilitates physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. For those carrying the weight of trauma, nature is not just a place to visit--it is a partner in the healing process. EcoTherapy recognizes that human trauma is intricately linked to the trauma of the earth. Just as humans suffer from wounds of the psyche, the destruction of the environment mirrors and exacerbates those wounds. Forests provide safety, quiet reflection, and an energetic container to process deep pain. When these spaces are destroyed, we lose a vital source of healing. The Animal Kingdom's Silent Suffering Animals, too, seek refuge in forests, not only for survival but for their own innate healing. Trees provide shelter and medicine, while ecosystems offer nourishment and safety. When their homes are destroyed, animals experience displacement, stress, and often death. This destruction severs the ancient relationship of mutual healing between humans and animals--relationships where animals often serve as guides, teachers, and mirrors for our own emotional landscapes. The Consequences of Disconnection When we lose access to nature, our collective trauma deepens. Urban environments, stripped of living ecosystems, amplify feelings of isolation, anxiety, and grief. Without forests to retreat to, trauma survivors are cut off from the natural cycles that regulate the nervous system and reconnect us to a sense of belonging. From a Shamanic perspective, every living being carries a soul contract with the Earth. Trees, animals, and humans are interconnected through unseen threads of spiritual purpose. When forests are razed, these sacred agreements are shattered, leaving open wounds in the physical and energetic worlds. The destruction of nature is not only ecological--it is a spiritual betrayal that fractures our relationship with the Earth Mother herself. Healing Through Sacred Reciprocity Healing these wounds requires a return to reciprocity--a sacred exchange of care between humans and the Earth. By protecting forests, we protect the sanctuaries where healing can occur for both people and animals. Through EcoTherapy practices, we can reconnect with the natural world, remembering that as we care for the Earth, the Earth cares for us. It is our responsibility to stand as guardians of the forests, to preserve the living beings who inhabit them, and to ensure future generations have access to the profound healing that only nature can provide. In the heart of every tree and every creature, there is a truth--when we destroy the Earth, we destroy ourselves. Pamela Nations-Weissman (Namdag Tsomo) Shamanic Life Path Coach, EcoTherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Trauma Specialist "Truth lives in The Dark - It's up to each of us to bring our Truth into the Light and share it with the world. It is our duty as human beings on this planet to do so." I was saddened and sickened by this visit. tried to post photos of the massacre but wasn't able to get yelp site to cooperate. read more

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"Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile (74 km) long paved, multi-use, non-motorized rail trail in Florida located in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida." Probably the best paved trail in Florida. A little over 46 miles one way and has a lot of very scenic spots along the way. It is in Florida so it's fairly flat but it does have some elevation changes and some overpass over the busier/wider state roads on the route. Multiple trailheads w parking lot and restrooms. My favorite trailhead is the one in Inverness. Beautiful town along the route. read more

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I love the rail trail closest to my house ( Whitney to Leesburg ), but it is fairly short, and has a growing problem with adjacent homeless metropolises. This one is crazy long, and everyone I saw was cool, lots of riders, on a Tuesday afternoon no less and no twitching sun purple backpackers. Lots of eating and drinking options on parallel Route 48. Some even have signs put back to entice bikers in. I love that the original concrete mike marker poles are still in place. Today I started at Floral City, last time at Inverness. Grabbed a bite at adjacent Shamrock lounge at Floral City, and Inverness has many eating choices not far from the path. I look forward to doing other portions of this delightfully long trail and thank you State of Florida for this excellent allocation of funds ! read more

Withlacoochee State Trail - Hiking Near Me - Inverness, Florida

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Very safe. I take my dogs and kids on this frequently. We typically take out bikes and it's such a beautiful ride!

Great trail, feels like home, I use it daily for walking my dog. I usually go about six miles every morning. This trail is lovely and heavily shaded, with a few benches for resting. The recumbent bikers and cyclists are mostly regulars and very nice. Do watch out though, as many of the inexperienced cyclists don't announce their presence when passing. This can be very startling, so keep your headphone volume low. Overall, one of my favorite places. Very quiet and beautiful and very well-maintained. I've seen everything from cardinals to gopher tortoises, egrets and ibis as well as loads of deer and turkeys. The ranger in the Ft. Cooper area is a lovely guy. A wonderful, magical place. read more

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Wallis Brooks Park provides plentiful parking, in the shade, to serve as entry to the trail. It is good for biking, walking, skating, bird watching, etc. More of a climb when heading north, but very gradual inclines. Our Strava app indicated 560+ attitude gain. Fair amount of benches and covered tables with seats. Thankfully, as this is Florida, the rainshine state. We had to seek shelter from the storms twice. If riding be sure to stop at intersections as cars are given right of way. There are some rest areas and merchants available within a 5 minute pedal of the trail and restrooms at north end trailhead. When heading south the climb is still very gradual and slightly less through Floral City. Even flatter south of Floral City. Trail is 46 miles end to end. If starting in Inverness, you are at a central point and should expect a 82 mile round trip pedal if covering both ends. Through Floral City there is easy access to a number of eateries. The trail is not crowded. Has lots of wildlife to see. It is also mostly shaded from North End through Floral City. South is noticeably less shade, shelters and rest rooms. Great ride through old real Florida. There are bike shops on trail at Inverness and Floral City. There are also offshoot trails such as central park, fort cooper and good neighbor trails. Explore and enjoy. read more

Withlacoochee State Trail - Hiking Near Me - Inverness, Florida

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It's an awesome bike trail that goes on for miles and miles and miles with glimpses of the water & more rural than urban! There are public restrooms with cool good tasting water in the fountains! read more

Nice trail if you are looking for a long leisurely bike ride. 45 miles end to end so you could go 90 miles. There are a lot of road crossings so it is not conducive for speedy riding. We visited this trail a couple of times during our visit to the area. read more

This rails to trails shared-use trail is pretty nice: Wide, asphalt paved (starting to age and getting lumpy with lots of poorly-done patch jobs); lots of shade; not at all crowded; mostly flat; long stretches between stop signs at crossroads; lots of birds and gopher tortoises; many wildflowers in the Spring; parking, water and restrooms every 10 miles or so; benches are spaced every couple of miles. Downsides: No hills (I love hill climbing and maybe you do, too); cars don't often yield for bikes crossing the road, so be really careful. In years of riding this trail, I've seen just a couple of horses, but many walkers and a few electric wheelchairs using the trail. Usually, I see cyclists alone or in pairs. The Rails to Trails Conservancy sells (cheap) a detailed map of this trail that is very helpful (available download for smartphones at TrailLink.com). They also sell tons of maps for other R2T bike trails that are super useful and will take the pain out of your cycling life. read more

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Clean trails, well shaded, great place for hiking, biking, kayaking. Restroom facilities available on trail. Fort Cooper State Park close by with excellent trails and lake for kayaking. read more

After reading about this trail, we decided to take an overnight trip to check it out. It is the nicest trail we have been to, thus far. The Inverness trailhead has lots of water views and a picturesque park area that is very inviting. On your way to Trilby, down at the other end of the trail, you have some picture-taking possibilities during your trip through the swampy areas. Some parts of it could use repaving, but overall it is in good shape. I also like the fact that it is well marked and has lots of signs telling people to stay to the right. We didn't have any of the problems we usually have on Volusia Trails with people walking towards you, on the wrong side of the road, walking their dogs and taking up the entire road, etc. There are a few water fountains. The best one is in Floral City, in a small park area. The water tasted good and even seemed a little cold. If you are into biking, you should definitely put this trail on your must try. read more

I just spent 7 days in the area and 4 of those days riding my bicycle along the Withlacoochee State Trail. The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile stretch of railroad track that was converted to a paved recreational trail suitable for hiking, biking, and roller/inline skating. Horseback riding is available on a separate trail alongside the paved trail. The North end of the trail is located in Citrus Springs, south of Dunnellon, Florida and extends 46 miles to the south ending at the trailhead parking lot at Highway 301 in Dade City, Florida. I rode as far north as the Inverness Trail Head and as far south as the Croom Tract Trail Head, which covered Citrus and Hernando County portions of the trail. I found that the Hernando County segments did not contain much in informational signage (except a scary sign that said we were riding next to a wildlife management area with hunting and should best wear bright colors) but the Citrus County segments were chock full of interesting signage. The trail has some water available, but you are best to bring water bottles with you and fill them up at these spot. Bathrooms are far and few between. You usually have to leave the trail and go into the cities and towns to find public restrooms. There was a port-a-potty at the Croom Tract Trail Head which was locked. There is one being constructed at the Floral City Trail Head which is not yet open. There are plenty of opportunities to leave the trail to eat, explore, and more. I was lured off the trail twice by a sign for "HONEY" in Pineola (look for my pictures) and another one that just said "RIVER" in Nobleton. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail (except for the ranger and the state maintenance vehicles), but bicycles, pedestrians, horse riders and leashed dogs are permitted. I enjoyed stopping off at Inverness and visiting its historic downtown which is right off the trailhead -- it is very bicycle friendly and there are signs everywhere welcoming bicyclists. I loved this trail and plan to go back to get the St Petersburg segment next trip. I've uploaded lots of pictures. read more

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What a fantastic place to come and get some exercise, enjoy nature, and fellowship with friends.

My wife and I recently moved to Inverness/Floral City FL, in part, because the WST is an outstanding bicycling trail and is 46 miles in length! I bike ride on this trail 3-4 times per week (covering 100+ miles/week) and it's a real treasure. The scenery includes lush Florida foliage, lakes, wetlands/swamps, horse farms, and lots of nature. Water and bathrooms are located at select key junctures, as is access to food just off the trail. One of the best trail attributes that I've come to value is the quiet and lack of concern about competing with vehicular traffic; while there are road crossings, they are infrequent. Note too that hills are virtually nonexistent on the WST! The city of Inverness has almost everything to offer visitors (bike shops, motels, restaurants), and then there's little Floral City where you can find real 'Old Florida' charm! Addendum: I recently rode the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail again and I took note of some key differences: The G-H trail is a bit narrower than the WST, and it is not as smooth or as well-maintained. I like the diverse terrain of the G-H, particularly the hills and curves up near Gainesville, but in comparison to the WST, it is just not as good a ride! read more

LOVE this trail! It is mostly for folks on bicycles. But we've walked many miles of this trail and found it to be clean and safe,