Withlacoochee Rails to Trails Connection Underway

04 Nov Withlacoochee Rails to Trails Connection Underway

Withlacoochee Rails to Trails Will Bring Together the Withlacoochee State Trail and Dunnellon Trail

The Florida Department of Transportation is working on a new Withlacoochee Rails to Trails connection. This tunnel will combine the Withlacoochee State Trail in Citrus Springs with the Dunnellon Trail off County Road 39. Withlacoochee Rails to Trails enthusiasts are excited with the new connection coming through because it will make crossing Hwy 41 much safer.

Withlacoochee State Trail

The Withlacoochee State Trail is known as one of the longest paved rail-trails in all of Florida. Additionally, it is one of the nation’s best multi-purpose trails. The Withlacoochee Rails to Trails is about 47 miles long, beginning in Pasco County and heads into Citrus Springs. Also, visitors enjoy its flat terrain and multiple access points. For all of these reasons, visitors and residents alike find it an ideal outdoor trail for all fitness levels. Not only do cyclists enjoy the trail, but residents also use the trail for running, walking and skating. Along the trail, there is an adjacent equestrian trail for horse-back riders to enjoy. In short, the trail is over 761 scenic acres, a nature lover’s paradise!

Dunnellon Trail

The Dunnellon Trail is not as lengthy as the Withlacoochee State Trail, running about 2.5 miles. The Dunnellon Trail serves as a connector into the city of Dunnellon and to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Along the Dunnellon Trail, cyclists pass by the Withlacoochee River through through stands of cypress. As a result of the new connection, visitors will be able to enjoy more of the beautiful scenery on their walk or ride.

Withlacoochee Rails to Trails Beneficial to Residents and the Economy

In conclusion, the tunnel will connect the Withlacoochee Rails to Trails with the Dunnellon Trail along US 41 within the next year. Riders will be able to safely cross US 41 from Citrus Springs to the Dunnellon Trailhead. The project is expected to cost around $5.6 million according to the Contractors for the Florida Department of Transportation.

In addition to the FDOT’s new connector, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will oversee a multitude of rehab projects for many parts of the Withlacoochee Rails to Trails. Not only will locals benefit from the new Withlacoochee Trail facelift, but additionally, Citrus County tourism can spike. Citrus County could become known as an international cycling destination as well as the Manatee Capital of the World.

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