The best cycling routes in Withlacoochee State Forest
4.8
(11)
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15
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If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Withlacoochee State Forest, you know how overwhelming the options can be. With so many trails crisscrossing this vast area, it's tough to figure out which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless routes here, and we've distilled that collective wisdom into a curated shortlist, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling in Withlacoochee State Forest is a real treat, offering a fantastic mix of Florida's natural beauty. You'll find everything from long, shaded paved rail-trails perfect for easy cruising to varied gravel routes that wind through pine flatwoods, rolling sandhills, and cypress swamps. The Withlacoochee River meanders through the forest, adding scenic views to many rides. While generally flat, some areas like the Croom Tract offer a bit more varied terrain, and the extensive network means there's something for every skill level, from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging loops.
If you only do one route, we'd point you towards the Withlacoochee State Trail and Croom Loop. At 31.6 miles (51.0 km), it's a fantastic moderate ride that combines the smooth, paved State Trail with sections exploring the diverse Croom Tract, giving you a real taste of the forest's character. For those looking for a pure gravel adventure, the Withlacoochee State Forest gravel loop from Richloam, Florida, at 28.1 miles (45.2 km), is a local favorite, leading you through varied forest and open areas. With over 180 touring cyclists having explored these routes with komoot, you're in good company. Start exploring and find your next favorite ride!
Last updated: May 11, 2026
4.0
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2
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45.2km
03:37
20m
20m
The Withlacoochee State Forest gravel loop from Richloam, Florida, offers a captivating journey through what feels like 'Old Florida,' with diverse scenery that keeps things interesting. You'll pedal through longleaf pine and scrub oak hills, past live oak thickets, and alongside cypress ponds, experiencing a mix of packed dirt, loose sand, and rough limestone roads. The terrain shifts constantly, providing a dynamic ride that showcases the natural beauty of the Richloam Tract.
This moderate 28.1-mile (45.2 km) touring bicycle route, with its gentle 70 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 3 hours and 36 minutes to complete. While the overall climb is minimal, be ready for varied surfaces; sections can be sandy, especially around Carter Pond during dry spells, or muddy after rain. This makes it a great option for gravel cyclists who enjoy a bit of technical challenge and are prepared to adjust tire pressure for optimal handling.
Recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as one of North America's
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9.32km
00:41
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The Hog Ponds gravel loop offers a delightful, easy touring bicycle experience through the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. You'll pedal through a mosaic of Florida's natural beauty, from old mining quarries transformed into serene ponds to sections of subtropical forest with cabbage palms and tall grasses. The trail surface varies, featuring limestone, crushed shell, packed dirt, and occasional sandy patches, making it an engaging ride for gravel bikes.
Planning your visit requires a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) WMA permit, which can be obtained online or from vendors. Since there are no water refill stations along the 5.8-mile (9.3 km) route, bring plenty of hydration. Be ready for bugs, and always keep a respectful distance from the local wildlife, including alligators, which are often spotted.
This 40-minute, easy ride with only 15 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain is perfect for beginners or those seeking a quick, scenic escape. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of Citrus County, offering a peaceful alternative to more strenuous gravel bike routes. The trail's accessibility and unique reclaimed landscapes make it a standout for a relaxed outing.
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42.9km
03:17
120m
120m
The Citrus Wildlife Management Area gravel loop from Sugarmill Woods offers a true escape into Florida's natural beauty, perfect for touring cyclists seeking a remote adventure. You'll navigate through diverse pine forests and sandhills, encountering varied terrain that includes packed dirt, gravel, and challenging loose sand. Keep an eye out for wildlife like gopher tortoises and white-tailed deer as you explore this tranquil, expansive area.
Planning your visit requires some preparation for this 26.7-mile (42.9 km) moderate loop, which typically takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete, with 391 feet (119 metres) of elevation gain. Due to the remote nature and lack of services, it's crucial to carry tools, spare tubes, and plenty of water. Starting your ride earlier in the day is highly recommended to avoid the midday heat and fully enjoy the solitude of the Citrus Wildlife Management Area gravel loop.
This area is a designated wildlife management area, spanning nearly 50,000 acres, ensuring a sense of quiet and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Beyond the natural beauty, you might also encounter unique geological features and remnants of old abandoned mining quarries, particularly along sections like Trail 15. The vibrant landscape, with its bright white sand, orange clay, and green foliage, makes this one of the more unique gravel loop routes near Sugarmill Woods.
50.9km
03:01
180m
180m
This route offers a unique blend of Florida cycling, starting on the smooth, paved Withlacoochee State Trail before diving into the rugged singletrack of the Croom Loop. You'll transition from cruising through shaded pine and oak forests, where you might spot gopher tortoises near Floral City, to navigating challenging off-road sections with significant elevation changes and technical features like sandy soil and limestone outcrops. It's a journey through diverse landscapes, from
15.6km
01:19
70m
70m
The Withlacoochee State Forest gravel loop offers a delightful journey through classic 'Old Florida' scenery, contrasting sharply with the region's paved trails. You'll pedal through diverse landscapes including sandhill ridges, longleaf pine forests, and oak hammocks, with glimpses of the scenic Withlacoochee River. While rated easy, expect varied terrain from hard-packed dirt to sections with sand and rocks, making wider tires a smart choice for this 9.7-mile (15.6 km) touring cycling route.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with the route starting conveniently near the Tucker Hill Day Use Area, which provides picnic spots and restrooms. This easy ride, taking approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes with 237 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a relaxed outing. Be mindful of trail conditions, as sections can be muddy or rutted after rain, so checking the weather beforehand is always a good idea.
What makes this route truly special is its immersive natural experience, offering a chance to spot wildlife like deer, turkeys, and various birds, including endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers. It's a unique opportunity for touring cyclists to explore extensive unpaved sections and varied ecosystems, providing a more adventurous backcountry feel compared to the adjacent, flatter paved trails. This loop is a fantastic introduction to gravel cycling in Central Florida.
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Tips from the Community
This area serves as the starting point for an extensive trail system with miles of trails, offering several scenic options and routes for your run. With restrooms, grills, and picnic areas available, it's easy to spend the entire day enjoying the surroundings.
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This small shop has the honor of being Florida's oldest General Store. Of course, you'll find all of the essentials you may need for your ride (i.e., snacks and water), but you'll also find a number of historic pieces, homemade jams and marmalades, souvenirs, ice cream, and an entire wall of lesser known and local bottles of soda.
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Tucker Hill, situated within the Withlacoochee State Forest, is an excellent spot to begin or conclude your hike. The area features multiple trailheads, along with amenities such as picnic areas, BBQ grills, and restrooms. The trailheads provide easy access to a variety of hiking paths, making it a convenient and well-equipped location for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the forest.
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This trail it fairly typical for Florida, flat with intermittent shade and sun, and of course...bugs. So be sure to use bug spray before your ride. All those bugs mean a plethora of other wildlife is around too so you might get lucky and spot deer, wild turkey, turtles, and more bird species than you can count. You'll also want to have your maps downloaded since this trail crosses/intersects with multiple other trails that could lead you astray.
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This area is known for its many hiking, biking, and jeep trails. However, it's big enough that you will likely be on your own for most of your time out here. Be aware that it is quite remote in the center of the reserve, so bring tools and spare tubes/patch kits so you can take care of any issues that may arise.
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Floral City is a small town is central Florida, the name was chosen by its founders for the numerous wildflowers that are native to the area. For cyclists it makes a great stop along the Withlacoochee State Trail. In town you'll find Trailside Bike, and though they specialize in recumbent bikes, you can still find plenty of supplies and accessories for anything pedal powered.
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The Withlacoochee State Trail runs for nearly 50 miles through Hernando, Citrus, and Pasco counties. Making it one of the longest paved trails in Florida. In addition to the main section of converted rail-trails there are also sections that are paralleled by unpaved trails for equestrian and gravel/mountain bike riders.
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At over 150,000 acres the Withlacoochee State Forest covers a vast array of terrain. There are miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You'll find numerous ghost towns and historic sites. There are a number of campgrounds and picnic areas as well. In fact, there is so much to see and do that the World Wildlife Fund named it one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America".
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Withlacoochee State Forest?
Withlacoochee State Forest offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. You can find 15 routes here, catering to various skill levels. These include 8 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult options, ensuring there's a ride for everyone.
What types of terrain can I expect on the cycling routes in Withlacoochee State Forest?
The forest boasts a variety of landscapes for touring cyclists. You'll find extensive paved rail-trails like the Withlacoochee State Trail, perfect for road bikes and hybrids. Additionally, there are numerous gravel loops, particularly within the Croom Tract, which feature rolling sandhills and dirt paths suitable for gravel or mountain bikes. The terrain varies from pine flatwoods and cypress swamps to dense hardwood hammocks.
Are there any easy, family-friendly cycling routes in Withlacoochee State Forest?
Yes, there are several easy routes suitable for families. The paved rail-trails, such as the Withlacoochee State Trail, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for a relaxed family outing. For a shorter, easy gravel option, consider the Hog Ponds gravel loop, which is just over 9 km.
Where can I find parking for cycling routes in Withlacoochee State Forest?
Parking is available at various trailheads throughout the forest. A convenient starting point with facilities is the Tucker Hill Day Use Area, which offers picnic areas, BBQ grills, and restrooms. Many access points along the major paved trails also provide parking.
What kind of wildlife might I see while cycling in Withlacoochee State Forest?
The diverse ecosystems of Withlacoochee State Forest are home to abundant wildlife. Cyclists often spot deer, wild turkey, squirrels, and various songbirds. Keep an eye out for bobcats, and if you're lucky, you might even glimpse rare and endangered species like the Red-cockaded woodpecker or Florida Scrub-jay. Cracker cattle and ponies also roam parts of the forest.
Are there any circular cycling routes in the forest?
Yes, the forest offers several excellent circular routes. A popular option is the Good Neighbor and Withlacoochee State Trail Loop, which combines two major paved trails for a longer ride. For a mix of paved and gravel, the Withlacoochee State Trail and Croom Loop provides a varied experience.
What are some notable natural features or attractions to see along the cycling routes?
The forest is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle alongside the scenic Withlacoochee River, designated an "Outstanding Florida Water." The Van Fleet State Trail and Withlacoochee State Trail offer long stretches through varied ecosystems. The Croom River Trail provides a unique experience through longleaf pine and scrub oak hills. During springtime, you might also see colorful wildflowers like goldenrod and blazing star.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Withlacoochee State Forest?
The routes in Withlacoochee State Forest are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 17 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the quiet woodlands, the variety of terrain from paved to gravel, and the well-maintained trails that offer a peaceful escape into nature.
Are there any challenging gravel routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the forest offers several gravel routes. The Withlacoochee State Forest gravel loop from Richloam, Florida is a moderate 45 km option. The Citrus Tract also features gravel loops, such as the Citrus Wildlife Management Area gravel loop from Sugarmill Woods, which includes more elevation changes.
Can I access the Withlacoochee State Trail from other areas?
Yes, the Withlacoochee State Trail is a major regional asset. The Good Neighbor Trail, a 10.1-mile paved path, connects downtown Brooksville directly to the Withlacoochee State Trail, serving as an important link in the larger Florida Coast to Coast Trail network. This allows for extended rides and connections to other areas.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Withlacoochee State Forest?
The cooler, drier months from late fall through spring (roughly October to April) are generally considered the best time for cycling in Withlacoochee State Forest. During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, humidity is lower, and the chances of afternoon thunderstorms are reduced, making for more enjoyable rides.
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