Withlacoochee Trail lands Top 10 again USA Today readers rank Citrus County trail No. 7 nationwide

Florida live oaks and other native species trees create the tree canopy that famously shades large sections of the 47-mile paved trail with less than the average 1% elevation throughout. Photo by Tom Craig

• By Mike Arnold Chronicle Reporter Apr 24, 2026 1 min to read

• Reprint of an article from the Citrus County Chronicle Online

The Withlacoochee State Trail has once again earned national recognition, landing at No. 7 in the USA Today 2026 Best Outdoor Trail Readers’ Choice Awards.

The ranking keeps the 47-mile paved trail firmly among the country’s top outdoor destinations, following a No. 2 finish in 2025.

“We are incredibly proud to remain in the Top 10 among such an outstanding group of trails nationwide,” said Tom Craig, president of the Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail. “This year’s competition featured an expanded and highly competitive field, highlighting the growing appreciation for outdoor recreation across the country.”

Stretching through Citrus County and beyond, the trail is known for its shaded corridors, gentle terrain and access to small-town trailheads, drawing cyclists, walkers and runners year-round.

Local advocates say the continued recognition reflects not only the trail’s natural appeal but also the work happening behind the scenes to maintain and improve it.

Over the past year, the Friends group and its partners completed about 2.5 miles of targeted resurfacing near the Inverness and Hernando areas, part of the state’s Trail Connectivity program tied to the broader Heart of Florida Trail Loop. Volunteers and contractors also upgraded five trailhead restrooms, installed new bottle-filling stations and continued restoration of a historic 100-year-old caboose near Inverness.

Additional efforts included relocating facilities at Fort Cooper to expand parking, planning safety upgrades such as 911 QR code markers along the trail, and trimming the tree canopy to preserve the shaded riding experience.

Craig said the organization is also investing in outreach, including a redesigned website to better manage communication with more than 15,000 users, and expanded social rides like its recent “Slow Roll” event connecting Inverness to Floral City businesses.

“We extend our sincere congratulations to all of the trails recognized this year,” Craig said. “Being ranked alongside so many exceptional destinations is both an honor and a reflection of the passionate outdoor community that supports and celebrates trails everywhere.”

As interest in outdoor recreation continues to rise nationwide, local officials and volunteers say the goal is to keep the trail both a regional asset and a national draw.

“Whether you’re a cyclist, walker, runner, or nature enthusiast, the Withlacoochee State Trail remains one of the best places in the country to get outdoors,” Craig said.