Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Our volunteers also build and maintain other trails on public land, known as the Florida Trail System. With 18 local chapters, FTA provides educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
Bordered by the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes and Withlacoochee State Forest, Inverness offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Florida Trail passes through Whispering Pines Park and heads into the Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, notable for its rugged terrain and trailside karst features such as sinkholes and caves. The Withlacoochee State Trail, a paved bicycle path, rolls right through town, and boaters and anglers enjoy easy access to the lakes surrounding the historic downtown district.
The City of Inverness, incorporated in 1919, encompasses 7 square miles of hilly terrain and is bordered on the east by the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. While few would consider Inverness metropolitan, the downtown is distinguished by buildings of character, stature, and significance to the residents of Citrus County. The most prominent, the 1912 Historic Court House, now stands center stage as a focal point in the re-invigorated downtown. Visitors who walk the halls, climb its steps, or experience the view of the courtroom cannot help but feel the weight of history and pride that is so evident in the rich wood and majestic granite that make this building special. A museum depicting the history of Citrus County may be enjoyed on the first floor of the building. Still of grandeur heritage is the Crown Hotel. Originally constructed in 1880, and later moved to its current location on Seminole Avenue, this splendid building remains as one of several landmark structures in Inverness.
Through the years, Inverness has become a haven for those seeking a simpler lifestyle, a friendly community to enjoy their retirement, or a safe home to raise their family. Many may be found enjoying the beautiful water front parks, jet skiing on the lakes, or fishing from the pier at Wallace Brooks Park. For bicyclists, the scenic Withlacoochee State Trail connects many of the city’s parks, business district and other hamlets along the way.
The Florida Trail through Inverness is in flux, as the route is actively being shifted off the Withlacoochee State Trail and into the woods via Whispering Pines Park and the Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest. With little shade and little variance in scenery, this rail trail is better biked than hiked. At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is presently the longest paved rail trail in Florida. The corridor, one of the first purchased under the Florida Rails-to-Trails Program, was obtained in 1989. It consists of a former rail bed that has been converted into a multi-use recreational trail.
For backpackers and day hikers, the four loop trails in the Citrus Tract are not presently part of the thru-trail but offer some of the finest challenging terrain in Central Florida. The trails climb up and down rolling sandhills topped with pines and oaks, drop down into deep ravines created by erosion of the limestone bedrock, circle massive sinkholes where jagged limestone protrudes into the footpath, and pass by the fern-draped openings of numerous caves. Wildlife is abundant: deer sightings are virtually guaranteed, scrub-jays live in the sand pine scrub, and Florida panthers have been spotted here.
Central Motel on U.S. 41 South is right in front of the trail.
Tunnel under State Road 44.
Wallace Brooks Park is situated on the beautiful Lake Tsala Apopka chain of lakes and has water, restrooms and picnic tables.
Whispering Pines Park At U.S. 41, the trail goes under another underpass. A 4.1-mile trail leads from the Florida Trail to the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Here there are over 40 miles of trails in four loops. These trails can also be accessed at the Holder Mine Recreation Area, the Mutual Mine Recreation Area or a parking area on CR 480. Campgrounds at the two recreation areas and campsites on three of the loops offer opportunities for multi-day hikes..
About Us 
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Incorporated in 1964, the Florida Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization that builds, maintains, protects, and promotes the 1,400 mile Florida Trail, one of only eight National Scenic Trails in the United States, in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. Our volunteers also build and maintain other trails on public land, known as the Florida Trail System. With 18 local chapters, FTA provides educational opportunities for people to learn to appreciate and conserve the natural beauty of Florida, as well as recreational opportunities for hiking and camping.
Bordered by the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes and Withlacoochee State Forest, Inverness offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. 
Inverness - Grab & Go
The City of Inverness, incorporated in 1919, encompasses 7 square miles of hilly terrain and is bordered on the east by the Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes. While few would consider Inverness metropolitan, the downtown is distinguished by buildings of character, stature, and significance to the residents of Citrus County. The most prominent, the 1912 Historic Court House, now stands center stage as a focal point in the re-invigorated downtown. Visitors who walk the halls, climb its steps, or experience the view of the courtroom cannot help but feel the weight of history and pride that is so evident in the rich wood and majestic granite that make this building special. A museum depicting the history of Citrus County may be enjoyed on the first floor of the building. Still of grandeur heritage is the Crown Hotel. Originally constructed in 1880, and later moved to its current location on Seminole Avenue, this splendid building remains as one of several landmark structures in Inverness. 
Withlacoochee State Forest. With little shade and little variance in scenery, this rail trail is better biked than hiked. At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State Trail is presently the longest paved rail trail in Florida. The corridor, one of the first purchased under the Florida Rails-to-Trails Program, was obtained in 1989. It consists of a former rail bed that has been converted into a multi-use recreational trail. 
Florida Trail Map Brochure