The best road cycling routes around Citrus Hills

The Withlacoochee State Trail offers a delightful journey through the heart of “Old Florida,” transforming a historic railway bed into a smooth, paved path perfect for road cycling. As you pedal, you'll pass through diverse landscapes, from the shaded stretches of the Withlacoochee State Forest to picturesque cypress swamps adorned with air plants, and even working ranches. The trail's flat terrain, with only a gentle 466 feet (142 metres) of elevation gain over its 37.6 miles (60.5 km), makes for a relaxed ride, often providing opportunities to spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises and various bird species.

This moderate route is incredibly accessible, with numerous trailheads offering parking, restrooms, and water fountains along its entire length. While the estimated duration is around 3 hours and 2 minutes, you can easily customize your ride by choosing a shorter section or extending your adventure. Small towns dotting the route provide convenient stops for refreshments or a meal, making it easy to plan your day. It’s an ideal choice for cyclists of all skill levels looking for a long, uninterrupted ride.

Recognized as a National Recreation Trail, the Withlacoochee State Trail stands out as one of Florida's longest paved rail-trails, built on the bed of the old Atlantic Coast Line railroad. Its historical significance and excellent conversion make it a prime example of how disused infrastructure can be repurposed for outdoor recreation. The trail's smooth pavement and minimal road crossings ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, solidifying its reputation as one of the best rail-to-trail conversions in the United States.

The Withlacoochee State Trail and Flying Eagle Preserve Loop offers a moderate 32.9-mile (52.9 km) road cycling experience with 358 feet (109 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. This route primarily follows the smooth, paved Withlacoochee State Trail, winding through diverse "Old Florida Charm" scenery, including sections of the Withlacoochee State Forest and rural landscapes. You'll enjoy shaded stretches and picturesque views, especially as the trail nears the water around Inverness. While the loop connects to the Flying Eagle Preserve, be aware that the preserve's interior trails are generally unpaved and unsuitable for road bikes, featuring sandy and potentially wet conditions. This makes the overall route a good choice for road cyclists seeking a long, relatively flat ride with a clear understanding of the terrain.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the Withlacoochee State Trail is well-serviced with numerous trailheads offering parking, restrooms, and water fountains. Towns like Floral City and Inverness along the trail provide convenient spots for refreshments or a break. While the trail is open year-round, the cooler, drier months are often the most comfortable for cycling in Central Florida. If you plan to explore the Flying Eagle Preserve, ensure you have a mountain bike or a bike suited for rougher terrain, as the preserve's multi-use trails are not designed for road cycling.

This route stands out as one of the best road cycling trails in Central Florida, offering a blend of easy-to-navigate paved paths and the option to explore a more rugged natural environment. The Withlacoochee State Trail is recognized as one of the best rail-trail conversions in the United States, providing a consistently flat grade ideal for all skill levels. The adjacent Flying Eagle Preserve, with its extensive basin marshes and forested wetlands, offers a contrasting wilderness experience and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for those on appropriate off-road bikes.

This Fort Cooper State Park – Floral City, Florida loop from Inverness offers a delightful road cycling experience through central Florida's varied landscapes. You'll glide along the paved Withlacoochee State Trail, enjoying tree-lined sections that provide ample shade, and pass by rural homesteads and pastures. Within Fort Cooper State Park, keep an eye out for Lake Holathlikaha and its reflective cypress trees, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.

This easy 22.9-mile (36.8 km) route, with a minimal 224 feet (68 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 49 minutes. It's an ideal choice for a relaxed outing, suitable for families and cyclists of all skill levels. Parking is readily available at the Inverness Trailhead, which also provides restrooms and picnic facilities.

Beyond the scenic ride, Fort Cooper State Park is a significant historic and archaeological site, preserving an important chapter of the Second Seminole War. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a prime location for birdwatching and observing diverse wildlife like deer, turkey, and various bird species.