Overview

Potts Preserve hugs the eastern shore of Lake Tsala Apopka and the western shore of the Withlacoochee River. It is a wilderness of many faces, from dense stands of cypress with tall cypress knees to open meadows and prairies, bayheads and oak hammocks, pine forests and ancient middens.

The preserve has day loop trails of 3, 5, and 11 miles or a loop of 12.5 miles for backpackers. The River Trail and the Lake Trail are the primary trails through the preserve and are blazed orange.

The Lake Trail winds its way through pine flatwoods and stands of younger pine reforesting the former grazing lands of the Dee River Ranch. Equestrian trails (from the southern trailhead) join in at the George Washington Meadow, where the trail follows forest roads with no shade. Although the Lake Trail once provided scenic views of Lake Tsala Apopka, the trail has been rerouted away from the lake due to persistent vandalism of the bridges and boardwalks.

The River Trail meets the Lake Trail both at the south end of the loop and near the northeastern edge of the loop. Set in deep shade, the River Trail traverses habitats along the river’s floodplain and provides access to the shorter day loops in the most scenic section of the preserve

In addition to the primitive Holly Hill campsite (backpackers only) all users are welcome at the Oak Hammock Campground near the trailhead, a large grassy primitive campsite near the river. To use the campsite, first contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District for a free permit.

Map

Potts Preserve is just northeast of Inverness. Follow US 41 N to CR 581. Follow CR 581 E for 6.8 miles to Hooty Point Rd. Turn left, then take the first right into Potts Preserve. Another access point for a shorter trip is at the Equestrian entrance. From US 41, take CR 581 for approximately 5 miles and turn right onto Dee River Road. Follow road for 1.5 miles and turn right at the entrance sign.

Purchase map Central 1

 Disclaimer: While FTA strives to maintain accurate information and is constantly updating its geodatabase, the trail and development along the trail corridor is constantly changing. The data has been collected from a variety of sources and accuracy varies. FTA provides this data for recreational purposes only and does not intend the data as a survey. 

Centerline data Florida Trail System (c) 2007 Florida Trail Association, Inc.

Trailheads

Day use parking at Equestrian gate and Hooty Point. Overnight parking is also available if the hiker has a camping permit for one of he tow backcountry sites. Do not block gate.

Features

Campsites

History

Timucuan Indian middens   

Conditions

Mostly level walking (except along portions of the river loops) through a variety of habitats, some of which may require wading. 

Precautions

Use insect repellent! A map is necessary to keep track of where you are in the loop trail system. If the Withlacoochee River is in flood stage, the eastern loops will be impassable.

Restrictions

  All campsites require a permit. Campsites are reserved on a first come first serve basis. A free campsite reservation should be made through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Land Resources Department at 1-800-423-1476. Permits may be made up to 90 days prior to the desired camping date; however, a minimum of 10 working days is required for a reservation. Please sign in at the reservation box located by each of the entry points. 

Resources

50 Hikes in Central Florida

Central 1 Loop Trails

Hiker’s Guide to the Sunshine State

Potts Preserve