Withlacoochee Bay Trail... North Florida

Paved Bike Trail at Western End of the Cross Florida Greenway

The Withlacoochee Bay Trail parallels the historic old Cross Florida Barge Canal for 6.2 miles from the Gulf of Mexico (Withlacoochee Bay) east to the Felburn Park Trailhead off US Hwy 19/98, (north of Crystal River), and now with an extension to the Withlacoochee River. This paved bike trail is the westernmost end of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. (Map link and photos below.)

Map link - Withlacoochee Bay Trail

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Location: Citrus County
End Points: Withlacoochee Bay to Felburn Park
Mileage: 6.2 miles
Surface: 12 ft. paved
Nearby points of interest: Crystal River State Archaeological Park

Biking at Withlacoochee Bay Trail

Withlacoochee Bay to Felburn Park (west to east)

Off US 19/98 at the bridge, we proceeded on the Park road west to the western trailhead at the Gulf - parking only. An observation deck here overlooks Withlacoochee Bay. There are several other parking areas along the way. Pavilions offer the only shade. The westernmost 2.5 miles of the Withlacoochee Bay Trail are the most scenic, with views of wetland hammock and salt marsh habitats. On the east side of US 19/98, Felburn Park Trailhead offers full amenities; restrooms, water, picnic pavilions, and playground. The paved trail ends about 1.25 miles east of Felburn Park, near the confluence of the Barge Canal and Withlacoochee River. For some water views, at end of the pavement, continue on the dirt trail for a few hundred feet to the river, then left a short distance to the confluence at the Barge Canal. East across the river is the Inglis Dam Recreation Area, with more paved and unpaved trail, an interesting section of the Cross Florida Greenway.