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TALLAHASSEE - In conjunction with National Trails Day and the National
Recreation Trail Program, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)
Office of Greenways & Trails (OGT) is proud to announce that the Withlacoochee
State Trail has been designated as a National Recreation Trail. According to the
National Recreation Trails Program criteria, this popular state-managed
rail-trail joins an elite list of more than 1,100 trails across the United
States that are deemed exemplary for their local and regional significance.
“From coast to coast, National Recreation Trails help connect Americans with
the wonders of America’s Great Outdoors," said Deputy Secretary of the
Department of the Interior David Hayes. "Today’s new National Recreation Trails,
built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, provide
great opportunities for people to get outside, get active and have fun. The
trails establish a strong link in our urban and rural communities alike to a
conservation legacy for future generations to build upon."
The National Recreation Trail designation recognizes existing trails and
trail systems that connect communities to resources and improve their quality of
life. Each of the new National Recreation Trails will receive a certificate of
designation, a letter of congratulations from Department of the Interior
Secretary Ken Salazar, and a set of trail markers. These trails join a network
of more than 1,100 previously designated trails that total more than 13,000
miles.
“We welcome this national recognition for an outstanding trail that connects
the state’s residents and visitors with Florida’s rich history and natural
resources,” said Bob Ballard, DEP Deputy Secretary of Land and Recreation. “The
Withlacoochee State Trail’s long, scenic corridor adds to the quality of life
for this region and helps support the economy of a number of small towns and
communities across a three-county area.”
The Withlacoochee State Trail is a paved, multi-use trail with an unpaved
equestrian trail that runs alongside portions of the corridor. Traversing small
towns, ranches and six distinct natural communities, the trail offers a wealth
of opportunities for viewing wildlife. In 2010, nearly 300,000 trail users
enjoyed the great recreational opportunities offered by this 46-mile rail-trail
which runs through Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, along the path of a
former CSX railroad corridor from Citrus Springs to six miles north of Dade
City.
The Withlacoochee State Trail is highly valued by the trail’s neighboring
communities. The counties and towns have developed trail-related features,
businesses and side trails that access the Withlacoochee State Trail. Rails to
Trails of the Withlacoochee, a local, 400–member citizen support organization,
has worked on behalf of the trail for more than 16 years. In addition to
providing many amenities for the Trail, the group has restored a 1925 “landmark”
caboose for the Inverness Trailhead, purchased a maintenance building, installed
interpretive signage and, in cooperation with the Citrus County Health
Department, built a health and fitness circuit beside the Trail. The Rails to
Trails of the Withlacoochee hosts a fundraiser that is believed to be the
largest one-day bike ride in the Southeast, attracting nearly 1,500 participants
annually.
Florida has been named by American Trails as “Best Trails State in America,”
recognizing the efforts of OGT and its many partners for their coordinated
efforts to establish Florida’s statewide system of trails. OGT provides
community assistance, trail acquisition and development funding, and public
outreach to expand the statewide system of greenways and trails.
The National Recreation Trail program is jointly administered by the National
Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other
federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the
national recreation trails website at
http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.
To view Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee’s website, which received
national recognition from American Trails as the 2010 Best Website by a Trail
Organization or Club, visit
railstotrailsonline.com.
To learn more about the Withlacoochee State Trail and other Florida trails,
visit FloridaGreenwaysandTrails.com. |
2012 State of Florida