Thelacoochee State Trail is a popular cycle route in Florida for serious cyclists in training, as well as for families and cyclists. At 46 miles covering citrus, Hernando and Pasco, it is currently the longest paved railroad in Florida. Built on the old railway, the trail passes by small towns, farms and ranches, wildlife conservation areas and forests. The trail is mostly flat, equipped for cycling, hiking and skating; separate path next to the paved path for horse riders.
The northern part of the path between Citrus Springs and Inverness follows US 41. The southern stretch, along the Sllacochi River and through the Slacocha State Forest, is more natural and rural. The trail passes several parks with recreational opportunities, including camping, swimming, picnic and fishing. Wildlife tours include deer, waterfowl, alligators, turkeys, rabbits, gopher turtles and more. Benches and towed shelters provide rest and shade.
Parking in many places along the road (some with other amenities). Basic Trailheads:
• Gulf Junction: Located at US 41 south of Dannellon on Magenta Drive. Parking, fountains, toilets, picnic area.
• South Citrus Springs: from US 41 on South Citrus Springs Boulevard. Parking, toilets, water, disabled access, picnic pavilion.
• Inverness: on the North Apopka Avenue from US 41. Overnight, restaurants, shops, parks and bicycle shop.
• Flower City: on SR41 and CR48. Parking, water, toilets, food, shelter.
• Lake Towns Park: on CR 476 east of SR 41. Parking, toilets, water, picnic.
• Ridge Manor: Travel US 98 / SR 50 approximately one mile east of Interstate 75 and turn north to Croom Rital Road. The overpass passes through the lively US 98 / SR 50. Parking, toilets, water, picnic pavilion. Lodging and food are nearby along the main road.
• Trilby Trailhead: take US 98 / SR 50 on route 575 / Burwell Road; turn south half a mile to the highway. Parking.
• Owensboro Junction: South terminus at US301 south of CR575. Parking, picnic table.
Starting at the junction of the Junction Bay, this is a 5-mile journey south along the US41 and a sprawling, but sparsely populated Citrus Springs south division of the Citrus Springs Trailhead - an unprecedented bike ride. Continuing heading south, Hernando (path 35) offers refreshments and a county park with toilets and picnic tables.
Around 29, Inverness is located with its historic Citrus County building and many choices for food and shopping. Inverness with several lakes and the picturesque Wallace Brooks Park is a pleasant stop. Here is also the state tourist service Withlacoochee.
South of Inverness, the trail becomes more picturesque, wooded and rural. Fort Cooper Park is 27 miles away and offers swimming, hiking, fishing, canoe rental and camping. Near the path there is a parking and a picnic table.
The historic flowery city, bordered by the Sllacochi River in the 23-kilometer middle of the trail, is a city of old Florida, named after its numerous wildflowers. At the trail at the intersection of SR41 and CR48 there is a flower garden and a fancy arbor on the site of the old railway depot.
This scenic stretch of trail continues through Ischatta, another quaint “old Florida city,” to Lake Townsens Regional Park 15.5 miles away. Along with the facilities there is a playground and a horse trail. Arriving to Nobleton, 14 miles away, is food, shopping, and access to the Sllacochi River - Waysid Park is a good place to view the river or start a kayak or canoe.
The trail now enters an undeveloped area with good opportunities for exploring wilderness through the state forest management zone and the Glalocochee Bay. Many recreational opportunities include camping, hiking, horseback riding and off-road bicycles. Silver Lake Recreation Area has river access and camping.
At 5 miles is the ridge-estate of the Trailhead, the most popular trail. Expedition US 98 / SR 50 - the only "hill" on the trail! - is here. Bike across the bridge, past the giant Wal-Mart warehouse, and also through forests and pastures to the southern terminus.
