Withlacoochee State Forest

The Withlacoochee Red Trail Loop is one of the most scenic trails around Tampa Bay that I have walked. It was cool weather so I didn't see much wildlife. I found the scenery was very nice, especially around the river. An added bonus is the tower along the path. I can see why the previous commenters were confused by the All Trails map. I found that I had to follow the orange blazes for 3/4 of the loop, then switched to follow the blue blazes. This is the only way I could stay on the All Trails path.

Beautiful park to visit! Just watch out for FWC, they like giving out tickets for minor things. Id recommend going on the parks website and printing out the whole Florida park code as they will expect you to know it. They will try and ticket you for the small things such as pulling off from a main road. Officer K.Grover gave each of us a ticket for camping in the wrong spot, no warnings and talked to as if we were delinquents. These officers are out to give anyone a ticket, just be aware that if you enter this park and encounter FWC they will try to ticket you for anything.

Ahh yes, the Withlacoochee State Forest, one of Florida's largest forest. it has so much to offer and so many cool places to see. Here you will find all kinds of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. if you get lucky, you will find Dames and Peace Caves and some others (although I believe some are being protected and have recently been closed to the public). There has been lots of vandalism in the caves, also known as, "Cave art" along with littering so when we visit we carry an additional bag and throw trash away when ever we see it. Always leave with more than what you came with, this will help clean this beautiful forest and allow for continued visits. I visited the Withlacoochee forest twice this year and both times were different. The first was dry season. We visited the caves and it was as dry as can be, no moisture what so ever. We crawled into the cave pods through tiny holes that would lead us into these huge pods filled with "fools gold". It was pretty exciting to see these tiny crystallized bead-like "gold"; unfortunately, once you touch these tiny little pebbles, they pop! We found slate and shells as well. Sometimes, I would take photos and this weird blob of green and blue would show up on my photo even though I couldn't see it in person (I found that... super creepy). Anyways, We went back during wet season and realized we really couldn't do much but walk around. All of the caves were filled with water so you couldn't crawl through them. It was a different feel, much more moist, but still cold as you climb down the slippery rocks. My suggestion is, if you're visiting the caves don't go alone. Take someone with you and take a head lamp. We were lucky to find a new friend who had explored these caves before so he was pretty much our guide. He showed us around and knew which caves led to another opening. It was STUNNING. One of my favorite experiences.

The Withlacoochee Red Trail Loop is one of the most scenic trails around Tampa Bay that I have walked. It was cool weather so I didn't see much wildlife. I found the scenery was very nice, especially around the river. An added bonus is the tower along the path. I can see why the previous commenters were confused by the All Trails map. I found that I had to follow the orange blazes for 3/4 of the loop, then switched to follow the blue blazes. This is the only way I could stay on the All Trails path.