Paddling the Withlacoochee River by Riverbanksoutdoorstore
After warming up at Johnson Pond, we drove down US 41 to the Oxbow Nature Trail for its shape as the meandering Withlacoochee River creates an oxbow loop as it makes its way to the Gulf. This trail has a reputation for its relentless mosquitoes and we were escalating our mosquito protection in preparation for this battle. With our mosquito nets tucked under our hats and our bodies doused in mosquito repellent we set out on our trek.
We entered the trail off a short narrow spur that intersects a forest road with a sign stating “Oxbow Nature Trail – Eagle Scout Project Troop 415″ and a list of local business sponsors listed below. The sign indicates that you could turn either left or right indicating the trail is indeed a loop. From here we turn left heading north passing through a lowland hammock. The highlight is a Carolina Jasmine vine growing in the wild with several Skippers hovering about the yellow trumpet shaped flowers for pollen. The trail eventually leads us into the river floodplane in a more open cypress forest with fields of cypress knees protruding from the ground in all shapes and sizes. Eventually the trail leads us to banks of the Withlacoochee River South for some scenic views of large bald cypress trees and Florida Alligators. We follow the trail along the bank eventhough sometimes it is disguised by the summer overgrowth.
Skipper on a Wild Yellow Jasmine
We cross a small footbridge that spits us out into an open area that has a primitive campsite and canoe launch. It is evident this area is frequently camped by paddlers exploring the River but can also be used by hikers. From here it is only a few steps more before the Oxbow turns back west and we head back toward the lowland Hammock and back to the spur that leads us out into the parking lot reaching our 1 mile mark.
It is a fairly short hike but worth the views along this slow moving river and the walk amongst the cypress trees.
Sandy and I head to Dunnellon to share stories over a tastey meal at a restaurant named the Front Porch. Great food and in a charming country atmosphere! Sandy and I part ways…and I head 2 hours northward up to another Trailwalker trail in the Entoniah State Forest. Afterall …this is a Labor Day weekend and I was determined to enjoy myself hiking until I could not lift my legs another step! The journey to become a Trailwalker continues….
See more photos of Oxbow Nature Trail on Flickr
Other Trailwalker Adventures Blogs: Goethe (Week 1), Lake McKethan (week 2), Holly Hammock (week 2), Johnsons Pond (week 3)
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