Lake Sumter Landing to Inerness 26.25-mi, 37-min

Rail trails are a pleasure because, if a train could handle the incline, it’s not going to kill you to ride it. Add a bunch of interesting places to stop along the trail to eat, drink and explore as well as a several trailside bike shops (even one in Floral City that specializes in recumbents) and you’ve got a recipe for a great ride. 

    The Withlacoochee State Trail is paved and mostly shaded from Dunnellon to the Owensboro Trail Head south of Trilby. The total length of the trail is 46 miles with Floral City at about the mid-point.

    We recently parked at the Inverness Trail Head, rode about ten miles south stopping along the way at Ferris Groves to munch on citrus samples, gulp down a fresh strawberry milkshake and exchange tales with other resting bikers.

    After heading back to Inverness, we strolled around the charming town square, checking out stores and restaurants, before settling on Coach’s Pub and Eatery for a big burger and a couple of cold beers (they have 50 on tap).

    Then we rode another 5 miles north on the trail and returned, for a total of 29.5 miles. The trail is in excellent condition, bathrooms are clean and there are lots of rest stops and historic sites on the way. It’s also popular with hikers, and couples with their dog, out for an afternoon walk, waved at us along the way.