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Canoeing: Withlacoochee "With headwaters in the Green Swamp in northern Polk County, the Withlachoochee meanders 156 miles north and west, eventually flowing into the Gulf of Mexico near the picturesque community of Yankeetown. Many of the lands bordering lengthy stretches of the Withlacoochee are privately owned, thus giving it a remoteness and sense of inaccessibility. Canoes afford the most practical and scenic mode to view and explore the comely waterway. " Lacoochee Park to US Hwy 98 bridge- 5.2mi US Hwy 98 bridge to SR 50/US Hwy 98 bridge- 6mi SR50/US Hwy 98 bridge to Silver Lake/River Junction- 6mi Silver Lake/River Junction to CR 476 bridge at Nobleton- 10mi Silver Lake/River Junction to Iron Bridge- 3mi Silver Lake/River Junction to Hog Island- 6.5mi CR 476 bridge at Nobleton to CR 48 bridge- 9mi CR 48 bridge to SR 44 bridge- 14.4mi CR 48 bridge to Shell Island- 4.5mi Weeki Wachee River Boats can be launched from Rogers Park off of CR 595. Canoe Rentals: Canoe Trail Info (352) 796-4343 Weeki Wachee Canoe Rental (352) 597-0360 Nobleton Boat Rental (800) 783-5284 Bike Trails: Withlacoochee State Forest Croom-Off-Road Bike Trail The Withlacoochee Forest - Croom Off-Road Bike Trail was the result of a cooperative effort between the Florida Division of Forestry and the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club. It is the longest continuous cycling trail in Florida. This network of tracks forms two loops of 12 and 35 miles. The 35 mile loop (marked by white signs with the international bicycle symbol in blue). This is the most technical section on any of the trails. There are several steep climbs and drop-offs that would be difficult for someone new to the sport. Bail outs: 8, 12 and 25 mile markers Level of Difficulty: Experienced Notes: "Requires more concentration" The 12 mile loop (marked with yellow signs) starts at the Tucker Hill fire tower, then crosses rolling hills dotted with oak hammocks. Bail outs: 3, 6 mile marker Level of Difficulty: Intermediate Notes: "Best loop for newer riders" There are three connector trails marked by red signs that allow combinations of the 35 mile and 12 mile loops loops. Withlacoochee State Forest is located in west central Florida and extends through the counties of Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Pasco. The Florida Division of Forestry Withlacoochee State Forest Recreation/Visitors Ctr. is located at 15003 Broad Street Brooksville, Fl (phone 352/754-6896) Weekiwachee Preserve The Weekiwachee Preserve is 9,000 acres of conservation lands that Southwest Florida Water Management acquired as part of a regional system of conservation lands that extends up to Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The Preserve offers 5.5 miles of bicycling on the interpretive trail and the paved road. Bikers: be prepared for hard packed sand/gravel trails. Weekiwachee Preserve is located west of US-19 near the communities of Weeki Wachee and Spring Hill. Visitors may enter the Preserve on foot or bicycle any day from the Shoal Line and Osowaw Boulevard access points. Visitors may drive into the Preserve the second Saturday of each month through the Osowaw Boulevard entrance and park at the end of the paved road. Florida state law requires children under 16 years of age to wear a helmet. Always yield the trail to wildlife and to visitors on foot. Information: Department of Forestry- Recreational Listings SWAMP Club- SouthWest Association of Mountainbike Pedalers Camping:
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