The Withlacoochee State Trail, Withlacoochee River, and Withlacoochee State Forest provide some of the best views of scenery and wildlife in the entire state of Florida.
Over the past five years, our readers have shared hundreds of photos showing their visits to the park, traveling along the river, or traversing the trail, which spans dozens of miles across multiple counties.
We’ve gathered some of the best photos we’ve received over that time, along with the photographers who shared them.
Leave your comments below and thank these photographers for capturing a little bit of what Withlacoochee has to offer.
The word “Withlacoochee” is derived from the Creek Indian words for “little big water” or “crooked river.”
The Withlacoochee State Forest is the third-largest forest in the state and features a wide variety of and tree and flower species. Additionally, the forest is home to a large collection of wildlife, from bald eagles to gopher tortoises and rattlesnakes.
The Withlacoochee State Trail spans 47 miles and is one of the longest paved trails in the state. It is officially recognized as part of the Florida Greenways and Trail System and is also designated a National Recreation Trail.
The Withlacoochee River is a 70-mile long body of water that stretches from northern Polk County to the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its sceneic views, the river has been designated an “Outstanding Florida Water.”
Do you have experiences and photos at the Withlacoochee State Park, the trail, the river, or of any wildlife in the area? Share them with us.
For more information on the park, visit the Withlacoochee State Forest online.