Withlacoochee River Extended Trail

The Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail in Lecanto, Florida is a moderate difficulty hiking trail that spans approximately 4.02 miles. The trail is known for its unique geological features, including a series of caves and sinkholes that are scattered along the route. The most notable of these is the Lizzie Heart Sink, a large sinkhole that is a popular spot for photography. The trail ...

The Weeki Wachee River begins its 7.4-mile journey at the world famous Weeki Wachee spring. Named by the Seminole Indians who inhabited the land around the body of water in the early 1800s, Weeki Wachee means “winding river” or “little spring.” One of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs, the underwater cave connects to the Floridan aquifer and has been dived to depths greater than 400 feet. Ap...

Escape into wild Florida on the River Rapids Nature Trail just minutes from downtown Tampa at Hillsborough River State Park. After a delayed flight had me spending an unexpected night in the Tampa area, I was pleasantly surprised to roll into Hillsborough River's campground without a reservation and snag a spot to sleep for the night ($24/night plus taxes and fees).  The next morning, well re...

Homosassa Spring State parks showcases native Florida wildlife including the manatees which can be seen from an underwater observatory in the main spring. Other animals you will see will include black bears, panthers, bobcats, flamingos, alligators, American crocodiles, river otters and many different types of birds. This is also home to "Lu" the oldest living hippo in captivity. He turned 57 i...

This trail is accessible to hikers, cyclists, equestrians and dogs. It takes you through open Florida landscape enlivened by wildflowers and also takes you past Dixie and Bear Lakes on the way to the much larger Lake Louisa. The trail is out-and-back, so you can go the whole way or choose do just do a portion if you're looking for a shorter adventure.

Start at John B Sargeant State Park--they do have a $2 parking fee. There is a canoe rental and shuttle service on site called Canoe Escape. They do have kayaks as well. If you own your own canoe you can pay for the shuttle service to pick you up at the end if you choose not to paddle out and back.There are a few routes to take:Sargeant Park to Morris Bridge Park: 2 hour paddleSargeant Park to ...