There is also a training area and a section designated for younger riders. Other smaller caves branch off from this Vandal Cave and range in a variety of difficulties of exploration from simple head ducking and flashlight exploring to belly-slinking and crawling through tight spots in the mud. The Citrus Tract, Withlacoochee State Forest is southwest of Inverness, FL and immediately south of SR 44 The Citrus Tract has a dry, all-weather trail on alternately flat and hilly terrain. And if you follow a trail heading north from Dames Cave, you will discover Peace Cave. Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Tract Equestrian Trails Water Open Roads Horse Trails Caves Neighborhood Valley Field trial trails south of FR18A are also horse traib. For ATV and motorcycle riders in the Ocala National Forest, the Delancy Loops - 16 miles in six tightly interconnected loops - provide challenging twists and turns for riders to enjoy. There is also a training area and a section designated for younger riders. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. #1 - Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail, The Dames Cave area is located in the Citrus Tract portion of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Citrus County, Florida and is found on a western portion of the Brooksville Ridge physiographic region. Quite possibly there will be several cars already parked there, as these will be the only indicators that one of Florida's most unique and oldest cave systems is just a short jaunt off of this straight and narrow farm road. Length: 46.8 miles in 4 loops. Download a free copy of the Ocala Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) book to show all numbered forest roads or Jeep trails with a bike trail overlay. Parking is free, but is at your own risk, mainly because there are no designated parking spots. One of the best spots for pictures, this cave opening is actually an ancient roof collapse. A small side cave allows access into the inner cave system. Dames Caves and Lizzie Heart Sink Loop Trail. This section of the forest has a lot of limestone and karst formations and caves can be found. If you would like to see more photos or read the full description of the trip, click on "View more" Scrubjay OHV Trail – This 20-mile trail is dedicated to increasing people’s awareness of the need to preserve the natural habitat of scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and native plant species. Difficult. These topographic maps, one for each region, are hosted by CalTopo. Overall a great day!!! Start checking them out and you'll be out on the trail in no time! A short half-mile trail leads off into the Withlacoochee State Forest. Terms of use | Privacy and Cookie policy, Our first hike through this state forest was to Jeep Cave. We rented two ATVs, a Can Am Renegade 500 & 800. Topo maps from USGS, Map Builder and US Forest Service; Road, Terrain and Satellite maps from Google; Open Street Maps; Optional overlays. Length: 19.1 miles in 3 loops. This tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest lies along 13 winding miles of the Withlacoochee River and includes Silver Lake. The $2 day use access fee can be paid online or upon arrival. Scattered across several counties, its tracts encompass more than 100 miles of hiking trails, a large network of equestrian trails, and special motorcycle and ATV routes. Add Your Trails. Exit 301 Citrus Co. Hernando Co. Withlacooche State Forest Croom W.M.A. The Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee, Inc., is a not-for-profit, charitable organization as qualified under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Citrus Loop Trails. The maps have lots of capabilities such as: Choice of base map. Our first hike through this state forest was to Jeep Cave. This is a great spot to explore, and the cave is really something to see. Bring your binoculars and camera! This is one of four loops in the Citrus Hiking Trail through rugged terrain. We went on a weekday and practically had the park to ourselves. Withlacoochee State Forest— With 2,600 acres of trails, the Croom Motorcycle Area is open to off-road vehicle owners. A thorough guide that discusses ATV’ing in America, what to expect and a breakdown of the best ATV trails by state & region. If you would like to see more photos or read the full description of the trip, click on "View more", Half Moon Wildlife Management Area (Exploring 2), Mannfield, FL - Big Hammock (historical) - Withlacoochee State Forest, Citrus Tract, Watermelon Pond Trails - Goethe State Forest. This is one of four loops in the Citrus Hiking Trail through rugged terrain. The size and diversity of Withlacoochee State Forest provides visitors with a variety of natural communities, wildlife and recreation activities to enjoy. Graffiti and other damage can be seen throughout, explaining why this cave system is so hard to find. I can't recommend them enough. Withlacoochee State Forest was acquired by the federal government from private landowners between 1936 and 1939 under the provisions of the U.S. Land Resettlement Administration. All rights reserved. Open sunrise to sunset, no camping, fires, or alcohol allowed, This trail is associated with the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker program and traverses a portion of the Florida National Scenic Trail. For up to date park information, please see their website here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Withlacoochee-State-Forest"}, For up to date park information, please see their website here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Withlacoochee-State-Forest. WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST, Forest Headquarters at U.S. 41 and County Road 476 in Hernando County (352-754-6896). This wildlife management area is one of seven large tracts that make up the Withlacoochee State Forest. Recommended Routes in Withlacoochee State Forest - 1 ... Trails in Withlacoochee State Forest - 4. It follows along the Withlacoochee River and passes through the Withlacoochee State Forest.It is the longest paved rail trail in Florida. Citrus Hiking Trail Map - Withlacoochee State Forest: RETURN TO TRAIL DESCRIPTION Surrounded by several concrete posts and heavy gauge wire, the opening to Vandal Cave appears before your eyes. Part of the roof is still connected and creates a land bridge that can be easily walked across by daring individuals. Orange blaze symbols denote primary trail. Withlacoochee State Forest is the state’s top outdoor recreation destination. Polk Co.: Colt Creek State Park. Double blazes denote a sharp turn in trail. Looking for a great trail in Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida? The Croom Loop Trails are located on the western side of the Withlacoochee River in the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, near Ridge Manor, FL.There is hilly walking through deeply forested ravines on the northern section, gently rolling sandhills to the south, and low-lying floodplain forests along the river. The birds ar… tarns. Withlacoochee State Forest - Jeep Cave Hiking trail in Inverness Highlands South, Florida (United States). Geologically, the caves are among the oldest in Florida. The trail here winds alongside what appears to be an old sinkhole on the north side of the trail and then just a bit beyond the sinkhole is the cave that we were looking for. We had a blast!!! We spent 6 hours playing in the sand pits and riding the trails. See field trial map for deans. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/florida/withlacoochee-state-forest For more information, contact Florida Trail Association at 1-877-445-3352 (FL only) or (352) 378-8823. Blue blaze symbols denote side trails. AllTrails has 26 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The Western Corridor of the Florida Trail works its way through the Richloam, Croom, and Citrus Tracts of the forest, which have a variety of recreation areas with their own followings: camping, hunting, equestrian, off-road motorcycles, and even caving. This landscape is dominated by karst landforms including uvalas, dolines, solution valleys, and caves. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, biking, picnicking and horseback riding. MTB Project is built by riders like you. Trail Run Project is built by runners like you. View amenities, descriptions, reviews, photos, itineraries, and directions on TrailLink. Hill 'n Dale, FL Intermediate. Ca. Just looking to take a quick stroll? 4 km NE of the junction of FL 471 and US 98. Lake Lindsey, FL Difficult. 28º 16’ 40” N 82º 1’ 58” W Description: Small tree ca. Farther east, at the point where the trail crosses Citrus Loop trail "D", you will find Danger Cave. Croom Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in Hernando and Sumter counties northeast of Brooksville, and encompasses more than 20,000 acres. At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida. Once again, no trails are marked, but heading directly east will bring you to the opening of one of the most popular caves. For up to date park information, please see their website here: https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Withlacoochee-State-Forest Map Key Favorites Check-Ins. I hiked to Jeep Cave in Withlacoochee State Forest. Cypress and large expanses of longleaf pine dominate this forest. This is a great spot to explore, and the cave is really something to see. Citrus Tract Cave Area - Withlacoochee State Forest, Citrus County, Florida. With a generally flat terrain and many access points, the trail is an ideal venue for all skill and fitness levels of cycling, running, walking and skating. After passing the Central Florida Community College and traveling southbound for several miles, on the left-hand side is a series of cement posts, a dirt road turnoff and a small garbage can. The entrance trail to the Dames Caves is located south of Lecanto, Florida on Highway 491.