Are there bears in Withlacoochee State Forest?

The river runs along its western border and wild hogs, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and sometimes even black bears seek shelter here. Check seasonal hunting dates at myfwc.com. Forest Headquarters and Citrus Tract provide more in the way of recreational facilities.

Where does the Withlacoochee trail start and end?

The Withlacoochee bike path is a rail trail located in central Florida, beginning about an hour west of Orlando near the tiny town of Trilby and extending north almost to Dunnellon.

Where is Withlacoochee Florida?

The Withlacoochee River or Crooked River is a river in central Florida, in the United States. It originates in the Green Swamp, east of Polk City, flowing west, then north, then northwest and finally west again before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico near Yankeetown.

What animals live in the Withlacoochee State Forest?

Withlacoochee State Forest is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, and wildlife is abundant. The forest is home to a number of listed species, including as bald eagles, fox squirrels and gopher tortoises. Other animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, rabbits and gray squirrels may also be viewed.

Are Florida black bears aggressive?

Bear Encounters Although Florida black bears aren’t typically aggressive, they’re large (they’re Florida’s largest land mammal), strong, and can react when provoked. Bears should be given their space.

Is Crystal River open?

The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Why are there 2 Withlacoochee rivers in Florida?

Withlacoochee River There are two Withlacoochee Rivers in Florida. One flows from Georgia and joins the Suwannee River near Madison. The other, a larger stream, flows from the Green Swamp in central Florida and empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Yankeetown in Levy County.

Is fishing good in the Withlacoochee River?

Fishing on the Withlacoochee The Withlacoochee River is nothing less than a freshwater fisherman’s paradise. Within the river, there are large mouth bass in excess of twelve pounds, hiding under lily pads or stalking their prey at other ambush points.

How long is the Withlacoochee State Trail?

46 miles
At 46 miles, the Withlacoochee State Trail is one of the longest paved rail-trails in Florida.

Is the Withlacoochee State Forest part of the Florida Scenic Trail?

Withlacoochee State Forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail. Withlacoochee State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Hunting and fishing are offered on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) within Withlacoochee State Forest. Find out more about WMAs on Withlacoochee State Forest.

How big is the Withlacoochee River in Florida?

The Withlacoochee River, Little Withlacoochee River and Jumper Creek have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters. The most notable is the Withlacoochee River, which meanders through 13 miles of the forest. Trees of many species create dense woodlands and canopy trails.

How long is the trail at Withlacoochee River Park?

Climb up the Observation Tower to view the entire property from above and observe the wildlife and natural beauty of this land. This park has a 3 1/2 mile perimeter nature trail, a 1.7 mile all-purpose paved trail and other trails totaling 13 miles.

How many tents are in Withlacoochee River Park?

Opens a New Window. . There is an 1840’s replica of Church, soon to be made into a nature center, a Pioneer Cabin with electric and air conditioning (sleeps six and may have one tent on site and a small cozy cabin with electric and air conditioning (sleeps four and may have 1 tent on site).