Lindaosm

we were there on Sunday for a ride and it looks like they are extending the trail to the east of Felburn Park . It was already paved but they had it closed off with ropes. They also had the dirt trail behind the restrooms closed. Just wondering if anyone knew anything about how far it will go and when it might open. I've googled and didn't find anything new. This is one of our favorite rides but it is only about 10 miles right now.

TrailViewMount

I saw that Linda when I visited in March 2012. Hopefully more info will come to light soon. You can see more photos on my website from the trail. Take care.

Lindaosm

when we were there a couple of weeks ago, it was already paved. Looked like it was pretty close to being done. I may convince hubby to go back over this coming weekend. I know it's a short trail, but I really like it for the scenery. Might attempt the Inglis Island Trail as well,
https://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide...ils/inglis.htm
Great trail but some spots do not have alot of shade.

TrailViewMount

Thanks for the info Linda. Since I am in Sarasota, if you can let me know when the sections opens I would appreciate it. It is a long drive for me. Also the trail is a perfect length for me. I'm not a spring chicken anymore. He-He. Take care.

Lindaosm

will post once it's done. Believe me....I am no spring chicken either!! A couple of years ago I was up to between 20-25 miles. After 3 surgeries in less than 2 years, I am lucky to get in 10-15, but I'm trying to work my way back. The added weight doesn't help much but I'm working on that!

jimdawgfan

Greetings Guys!

Just got my "new" Craigslist bike back from the LBS and then I installed new tires and tubes. Then went out for a 7 mile shakedown ride. I have not ridden in 10 years. Back then it was mostly off road stuff in our area. Used to ride Croom from time to time. It took its toll on this 57 year old body. I now want to ride some nice paved trails. How do I get more info on the Withlachoochee State Trail? What trail head is on the south end. Any other good trails in the area? I am in Wesley Chapel....
Thanks

kjc9640

Go north on I-75 to State Road 50, turn east for about .5 miles. Large trail head with full facilities on the north side. You can ride north (the best way) or south. This is the best trail in florida by far. Good food and bike shop in Floral Citu and the same in Inverness. Take a ride thru Fort Coopoe just south of Inverness.

jimdawgfan

Thanks SloPoke. I look forward to trying it out soon!

TrailViewMount

Jim Dawg I ran across a blog and the guy suggested to skip the Owensboro and Trilby trailheads. Both are on the south end of Withlacoochee Trail. Too remote and not in safe looking areas he said. I agree with kjc. Florida City, Wallace Brooks Park and Ft. Cooper State Park in Inverness are all excellent trailheads and safe. I prefer Ft. Cooper State Park. Lots of parking with easy access to the trail. More photos are on my website. Enjoy.

kjc9640

I don't think anyone would have any problems with the Owensboro Triliby section I just didn't find it very attractive to ride that section. The most exciting thing down that way is the Wal Mart warehouse that seems to go on for miles. It's not really that long it just seem that way. It is probably the largest warehouse in the State of Florida. I didn't see any places to eat down that way either. I would spend all of my time riding the north section that is where the beauty is.

At any rate where ever you choose to ride the trail is as good as it gets IMHO.

TrailViewMount

So you would recommend starting in Dunnellon Jim? That's north yes. I haven't biked that much of the trail. Just part of Floral City and Inverness only. I have to drive so far I always run out of time.

LiamSkymom

I park and ride from Owensboro (really more of Dade City trail head on Hwy 301) and Ridge Manor (off SR 50) all the time and have never had any problems, not even the time I left my vehicle door open for the two hours I was gone - that was from Ridge Manor. The trail head at 575 would be a bit more iffy. From Wesley Chapel, the Ridge Manor trail head is easy. Most of the time not a lot of people. I will grant that the Floral City to Inverness part of the trail is a bit prettier, but you also have more traffic both foot and vehicle that you have to worry about.

jimdawgfan

Thanks for all the great responses. Can't wait to get back from vacation so I can head up there and check out the trail.
We are at a cabin in Sevierville TN. Brought the bike but, the road we are on, I can hardly pull in my car much less on a bike.....

Have a great weekend all!

Ride On

kjc9640

My personal preference is to start at The Ridge Manor Trail Head. Ample parking, water, and rest rooms. About half way between Ridge manor and Floral City if you look carefully you will see a ranch that has Lamas and a camel on the property.

kjc9640

Starting at Dunedin might be a stretch for doing the Withlacoochee Trail but it would be a good starting point for riding the north end of the Pinellas Trail. Nice ride on up to Tarpon Springga and back.

If you have any thoughts on doing any trails around the Orlando area let me know and I might be able to hook up with you and show you around. We have the West Orange Trail and South Lake Trail, The Seminole Wekiva Trail (14 miles) and The Cross Seminole Trail (20 miles) that are all very nice rides. Then we have the Spring to Spring Trail in Volusia county (20 miles) that is the best in the central Florida area.

RonH

I've never seen the camel or llamas. Just lots of cypress knees, ranches, and goats just south of Lake Lindsey Rd (Nobleton). After we get moved to FL in a few months (crossed fingers) I'll have to look for them.

kjc9640

I've never seen the camel or llamas. Just lots of cypress knees, ranches, and goats just south of Lake Lindsey Rd (Nobleton). After we get moved to FL in a few months (crossed fingers) I'll have to look for them.
[/QUOTE]

These are pictures of my daughter feeding the camel some apples. These photos were taken about two years ago but the camel was still there during the Clean Air Ride this year. I think they were around mile marker 13 but I could be mistaken about that.

RedC

A group of us stayed at the Central Motel in Inverness and accessed the trail from there and had a great time a couple of years ago

Lindaosm

well, we went back to this trail again today. (Bay Trail). The new portion is not "officially" open but the sign says it extends approximately 1 mile east of the Trail Head. Had a great ride and we were done before 11 AM. Had our 2nd encounter with a Bobcat. This one much closer than the last. It came down on the trail about 12 feet in front of us and we stopped and it turned and went back into the bushes. The last one we saw was out in the Ocklawaha Preserve and it was pretty far away and much smaller. This was was pretty large (long) but looked thin. Other wildlife sightings included a deer and a rabbit. Guess they were all out before it got too hot as well. Overall, almost 13 miles with an added side trip.

TrailViewMount

Excellent photos Jim. Linda is the new portion paved? Please let me know when it opens. I will drive back up to spend the day riding. Thank you.

Lindaosm

here's some pictures I took on Sunday of the new section. (It's not officially open yet). Not sure when it will open. It has several high hills and some great views and as you can see, it's paved. I'll let you know when it opens up. We go over there at least once a month.

TrailViewMount

Linda I'm going to call the Inglis office of Florida Greenways & Trails and get info. Great photos. Thanks for update.

TrailViewMount

Finally made it back to Withlacoochee Bay Trail to ride the new extension. I'm really out of shape because the uphill section(s) about killed me. I prefer flat. But I'm glad I rode it. More photos on my website.

Lindaosm

Yes, the new section can be very challenging. We rode there again last Sunday and rode the eastern extension last. Next time, it will be first. Am excited to see them get started on the bridge to the island. No bobcat sightings this last time but we did see footprints.
Glad you made it up. Great pictures. Keep them coming.

TrailViewMount

Thanks for seeing Linda. I didn't see any work on a bridge. Did I need to walk past the rocks?