Florida's Adventure Coast

Spending five days along Florida's Adventure Coast before, during, and after our outdoor writers conference, we explored the region by foot, paddle, and bike

With our annual Florida Outdoor Writers Association conference in Brooksville in September 2018, it was an ideal time to get to know Hernando County - Florida's Adventure Coast - a bit better.

We arrived before and stayed after the conference in order to put some miles in on new-to-us hiking destinations and bike paths.

During the conference, we were introduced to some "who knew?" experiences we wouldn't have found on our own, like savoring craft beer and visiting a very unique distillery in the middle of the woods.

PLANNING RESOURCES: Florida's Adventure Coast

Overviews

Florida’s Adventure Coast Trail Guide

From the spring-fed Weeki Wachee River to the deeply shaded floodplain of the Withlacoochee River, we guide you to outdoor adventures on Florida’s Adventure Coast.

Florida Hikes

Four Days on Florida’s Adventure Coast

Biking, paddling, and hiking were in the plans as we explored Florida’s Adventure Coast for activities we could enjoy during warm weather.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Activities

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

One of Florida’s most beautiful paddling trips, the spring-fed Weeki Wachee River winds through lush floodplain forests along this 5.5-mile run

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Biking the Good Neighbor Trail

A morning of exploration allowed us to experience the not-quite-open-yet Good Neighbor Trail and its historic context during our visit to Brooksville this September.

Florida HikesJohn Keatley

Itinerary

Spring Hill

Nature Coast Botanical Gardens
Marker 48 Brewing
DINING: Kally K's Steakery & Fishery

Nature Coast Botanical Gardens

An oasis of serenity in Spring Hill, several acres of garden rooms make up the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, a green space in suburbia.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Weeki Wachee / Bayport

Annutteliga Hammock Conservation Area
Bayport Park
Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail
Chassahowitzka WMA
NJoy Spirits Distillery
Mary's Fish Camp
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
Weeki Wachee River
DINING: The Cove

Annutteliga Hammock Conservation Area

Part of a wildlife corridor between the Withlacoochee River and the Gulf of Mexico, Annutteliga Hammock Conservation Area protects 570 acres of sandhills, scrub, and prairie east of US 19.

Florida HikesSandra Friend

Paddling at Bayport Park

Perched on the estuary where the Weeki Wachee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, Bayport Park offers spectacular sunset views along with its water access

Florida HikesJohn Keatley

Bayport Coastal Paddling Trail

Following the Bayport-Linda Pedersen Paddling Trail for 1.7 miles through mazes of needlerush, you’re immersed in the sights of a coastal estuary

Florida HikesJohn Keatley

Linda Pedersen Park and Preserve

Offering recreational access to the Jenkins Creek basin and Jenkins Spring, Linda Pedersen Preserve provides fine views and fun activities.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Weeki Wachee Springs

Surrounding a sparkling first-magnitude spring, Weeki Wachee Springs has been a draw for tourists since its mermaids appeared in the 1940s.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Brooksville

Good Neighbor Trail
Train Depot Museum
Fickett Hammock Preserve
Chinsegut WEA
DINING: Coney Island Drive Inn, Papa Joe's, Rising Sun Bistro

Good Neighbor Trail

Following a narrow gauge railroad corridor between the former main line at Croom to an 1885 depot in Brooksville, the Good Neighbor Trail is a 10.1-mile paved bike path.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Fickett Hammock Preserve

Delving deep into a hardwood hammock with towering trees on this 2.3 mile hike, discover a wonderland of botanical beauty at Fickett Hammock, a cradle of unusual species north of Brooksville.

Florida HikesSandra Friend

Chinsegut WEA Conservation Center Tract

Discover the beauty of May’s Prairie on this 4 mile loop hike around it within the heart of the Conservation Center Tract of Chinsegut WEA, north of Brooksville.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley

Nobleton

Lake Townsen Preserve
Withlacoochee State Trail
DINING: Riverside Restaurant

Lake Townsen Preserve

Protecting environmentally sensitive lands west of Nobleton, Lake Townsen Preserve is the gateway to miles of trails along the Withlacoochee River.

Florida HikesSandra Friend

Biking the Withlacoochee State Trail

The Withlacoochee State Trail is one sweet ride, tracing 44 miles of railroad history down forested corridors, past big lakes and through quaint communities.

Florida HikesSandra Friend & John Keatley