Swim with the Manatee

     A manatee has a face only Mother Nature could love. Once you meet a manatee, you're hooked The official marine mammal of the state of Florida, manatees are nearsighted, slow-moving herbivores that average about 10 feet in length and weigh in at roughly 1,200 pounds.  

Diving

     The variety and abundance of wildlife make the Citrus County area a year-round vacation destination. Citrus Country are conveniently situated within a short drive to several of Florida's other unique dive sites and can serve ideally as a 'base of operation.' With several dive shops in the area, your every need can be catered, including instruction, guides, equipment rentals, even underwater video services.

Rainbow River

The Rainbow River is located in the southwest corner of Marion County Florida, about 20 miles southwest of Ocala.  It is a gently winding river that is 5.7 miles long and merges with the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon Florida. The headwaters is the anchor for the Rainbow Springs State Park. This first magnitude spring is not one large vent but is numerous vents that issue 400 - 600 million gallons of crystalline water every day. The Rainbow Springs State Park is a popular destination to swim, snorkel, canoe, picnic, or stroll on the walking paths to enjoy the many plants and animals that abound here. 

Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail

The Withlacoochee River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida's Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. The river flows out of the Green Swamp in west central Florida. The trail twists and bends through the sandhill area as it moves northwest.  The variety of habitats offers opportunities for nature study. Wildlife is abundant along the river. Deer, turkey, otter and alligator are common. Wood duck, wood stork, white ibis and anhinga can also be seen along the trail.

Lake Rousseau

A year round destination resort on the Nature Coast of Florida where you will see a corner of the world filled with heron, egret, great scenery and abundant wildlife. Bring your camera and get some of the greatest photo ops imaginable. We are located in a secluded, unspoiled area only 8 miles north of Crystal River and 8 miles southwest of Dunnellon. You will find modern stores, quaint shops, friendly people, and a pace of life you might have thought was gone forever.

Silver Springs

No matter what your age, there are plenty of rides and attractions at Silver Springs that will make you laugh, fill you with wonder, and provide a glimpse into what life was like here more than 10,000 years ago. Just as they did then, the springs pump out 550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day-enough to supply the entire city of New York.

World Class Fishing

     Citrus County is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, offering some of the finest sport fishing to be found anywhere. 

     Saltwater fishermen can find grouper and snapper off reefs and coastal rock piles; sea trout and Spanish mackerel frequent grass beds. Cobia and sheepshead can be found around channel markers, redfish and whiting off oyster bars and tarpon on the flats.

     To the East, freshwater fishing is the best game in town! Freshwater fishermen can find sunshine bass in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain, specked perch in Lake Rousseau, catfish in the Withlacoochee River and Florida largemouth bass almost everywhere.

Outboard, Canoe, Sailboat, Jet ski, or Pontoon, there's a Water Body Ready to Accommodate Your Needs

     There is nothing quite like gliding quietly down a natural river or creek in a canoe. Nature unfolds before you as though you aren't even there and where the subtle click of a camera shutter echoes out as an out-of-place noise. If this is your chosen mode of water transportation or you want to experience it for the first time, then Citrus County waters are ready to welcome you.

     There are a number of public boat ramps throughout the area and if you are looking for a more permanent mooring, there are a number of privately owned marinas and boat storage yards.

     If boating is your desire but owning a boat isn't, there are also a number of local businesses that can rent you a vessel for a few hours, a day, a week, or more.  Once you are on the water, you still face a multitude of decisions of what you want to do.  Sightseeing, fishing, wather sports, snorkeling, or maybe just relaxing the day away from phones, deadlines, and other signs of civilization that surround you.  If you want the fun of boating without having to drive, the area also has a number of tours and operators to suit your needs.

Off the Beaten Path or on a Paved Trail, Citrus County Boasts Exceptional Cycling Experiences

     Biking is great exercise and a wonderful way to see a variety of natural settings found in the area. If this is your favorite way to go, you can choose from a cross-country excursion, a meandering scenic day ride or a more primitive off-road track.

     The rolling hills of the Central Ridge provide the most challenging bike ride for cross-country cyclists. Roads which lend themselves well to cyclists are S. Pleasant Grove Road (CR 581), Stagecoach Trail (CR 480) and the internal roadways of housing developments in Citrus Springs, Sugarmill Woods, Pine Ridge, Citrus Hills and Beverly Hills. Each offers something different; acres of undeveloped land with already paved roads, challenging hills, and panoramic miles-wide views.

     A popular cycling route is the "Rails to Trails" Withlacoochee State Trail. Formerly a railroad right-of-way, the 47-mile trail is paved its entire length through Citrus County. If you don't have your own equipment, rental bikes and roller blades are available in the downtown Inverness area.

MAP: Withlacoochee State Trail and  Rails to Trails Of The Withlacoochee

Welcome to the Horse Capital of the World

     With acres of farm land, high-end ranches and boarding facilities, professional show grounds and race tracks, Marion County has unlimited opportunities for those who are involved in the trade.
 

     Whether you want a day's ride or a full equestrian camping trip, the facilities you need are here. Also, you may trailer your own horse or rent one when you arrive. Whatever your choices, the fun of riding through some of the most beautiful public lands in the area is available to you.

     At Tillis Hill, in the Citrus tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, there is a horse stable which accommodates 20 horses, as well as a 37-site camping area. From this campground, you can begin a 14-mile one day trail, or a 24-mile two-day trail.

     We recommend you make reservations with the Florida Department of Forestry (352) 796-5650 for use of the horse stables. Trails are available for use at any time.

     The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has established horse trails on both the Flying Eagle and Pott's Preserve tracts. Flying Eagle has nine miles of designated equestrian trails (closed during hunting season). Equestrian camping is also allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476.

     Potts Preserve has 12 miles of marked trails and even allows horse-drawn buggies by permit. A limited number of horse stalls and overnight camping (no charge) is allowed by permit. Call 1-800-423-1476.

     The Withlacoochee State Trail, a 47-mile former CSX railroad right-of-way, is the newest addition to horseback riding trails in Citrus County. Plans include interconnection with Fort Cooper State Park for stable and camping opportunities. Horseback riding is presently confined to designated bridle paths. For more information, call 352-394-2280.